Glochidion spp.

cheese tree

Phyllanthaceae

Tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific

Attracts Pollinators

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–12

Overview

Glochidion spp. is a large genus of about 200 trees and shrubs in the family Phyllanthaceae, distributed across tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. Plants range from shrubs to trees 10-50 feet (3-15 m) tall, with simple oval leaves arranged in two rows along the twigs, so each branch forms a flat, frond-like spray. The flowers are tiny, greenish or yellowish, without petals, and clustered in the leaf axils, with separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The fruit is readily recognized: a small flattened capsule with vertical ribs and grooves that resemble a miniature pumpkin or a wheel of cheese, giving rise to the common name cheese tree, ripening reddish and splitting to release red-coated seeds. Many species depend on tiny Epicephala moths for pollination, a relationship in which the moth both pollinates the flowers and lays eggs in the developing fruit. Most species grow in rainforest, monsoon forest, and forest margins. The genus is sometimes merged into Phyllanthus spp.. Slow growth and frost-sensitivity limit garden use to warm climates.

Native Range

Glochidion spp. is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the islands of the Pacific. The trees and shrubs grow in rainforest, monsoon forest, swamp forest, and forest margins, often as early colonizers of cleared or disturbed ground.

Suggested Uses

Grown as shade and screening trees in tropical and subtropical gardens and parks, and in rainforest and bush-regeneration plantings as pioneer species. The flat sprays of foliage and ribbed fruit are grown for ornamental interest. Some species are used locally for timber and traditional medicine.

How to Identify

Look for a shrub or tree whose oval leaves are set in two rows along each twig, forming flat, frond-like sprays. The small ribbed capsules, shaped like miniature pumpkins or cheese wheels and ripening reddish, are characteristic. Tiny petalless greenish flowers in the leaf axils and the segmented fruit together identify Glochidion spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 50'

Width/Spread10' - 30'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, with timing varying across the genus and its wide range. The tiny greenish, petalless flowers are easy to overlook among the leaves. The ribbed capsules that follow are more conspicuous and ripen reddish over the following months.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 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

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most species grow in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter, reflecting their forest origins. They need steady moisture in the growing season and tolerate humid, warm conditions, but most are damaged by frost and suited only to tropical and subtropical climates, roughly USDA zones 10 to 12. Young plants establish gradually and benefit from shelter while small. Growth is generally slow to moderate. Seed germinates readily when fresh. Few serious pests affect the genus, though the fruit is host to the moths that pollinate it.

Pruning

Pruning is limited to removing dead or crossing wood and shaping young plants, done after fruiting. The trees develop a naturally layered, spreading branch pattern that needs little correction. Cut wood regrows readily in warm conditions.