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Euroschinus falcatus

blush cudgerie

Anacardiaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Euroschinus falcatus is an evergreen tree reaching 50-100 feet (15-30 m) in rainforest and commonly 20-40 feet (6-12 m) in open or cultivated settings, with a spreading crown. The leaves are pinnate, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long, with several pairs of sickle-shaped (falcate) leaflets that are glossy dark green above and paler beneath, often on reddish stalks. Branched panicles carry many small cream to white flowers in spring. Female trees produce small rounded drupes 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide that ripen from red to purple-black and are eaten by birds. The crushed foliage and cut bark have a resinous scent typical of the family. Young growth and leaf stalks are often flushed red, fading to green with age. The tree grows in warm, frost-free climates and is damaged by hard frost when young.

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from north-eastern Queensland south through coastal New South Wales. Grows in subtropical and dry rainforest, gallery forest, and rainforest margins on a range of well-drained soils, from the lowlands to lower mountain slopes.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a shade and street tree in warm-climate parks and large gardens, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m) from buildings and other trees. Used in rainforest regeneration and as a habitat tree, with fruit eaten by birds. The mature size and surface litter make it better suited to large spaces than small gardens.

How to Identify

Recognized by pinnate leaves 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long with sickle-shaped leaflets that are glossy above and paler below, often on red-tinged stalks. Crushed leaves and cut bark release a resinous scent. Small cream to white flowers in branched panicles are followed on female trees by red to purple-black drupes 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide. The curved leaflets and resinous foliage separate it from co-occurring rainforest trees with straight-edged leaflets.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 100'

Width/Spread20' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flowers mainly in spring, from about September to November in eastern Australia. Panicles of small cream to white flowers open over several weeks. On female trees, drupes follow over summer and ripen from red to purple-black.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Cream to white

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade in deep, well-drained soils in warm, frost-free climates. Water young trees through dry periods until established; mature trees tolerate short dry spells but make stronger growth with regular moisture. Hard frost damages young growth, so the tree is limited to warm-temperate and subtropical areas. The species is dioecious, so drupes form only on female trees where male trees are nearby. Falling fruit and leaves create litter beneath the canopy. The sap and foliage can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, as in other members of the family.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring to shape young trees and lift the canopy. Remove dead, crossing, or low branches to develop a clear trunk. Mature trees need little pruning beyond removing damaged wood.