Homalanthus populifolius (Bleeding Heart)

Homalanthus spp.

Southeast Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Homalanthus spp. is a genus of roughly twenty to twenty-five trees and shrubs in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, native to Southeast Asia, Malesia, northern and eastern Australia, and the Pacific islands. Plants range from low shrubs to small trees 10-40 feet (3-12 m) tall, with smooth grey bark and soft wood, and all parts exude a milky white latex when cut. The leaves are alternate, broadly heart-shaped to rhombic, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, on slender stalks, and often carry two small glands at the base of the blade; individual leaves turn red or orange before dropping, so a few coloured leaves are usually present at any time. Tiny petalless flowers are borne in slender terminal spikes, the sexes separate on the same spike, followed by small two-lobed capsules that split to release seeds. The species H. populifolius, the bleeding heart tree of eastern Australia, is a fast-growing pioneer of rainforest clearings and disturbed margins. Most species are short-lived and brittle-wooded, and the latex can irritate skin and eyes.

Native Range

Native to Southeast Asia, Malesia, New Guinea, northern and eastern Australia, and many Pacific island groups.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a fast-growing shade or screen tree in tropical and subtropical gardens and for quick cover in rainforest restoration. The red-flushing leaves add seasonal colour in mixed plantings. It is also used as a short-lived nurse plant while slower trees establish.

How to Identify

Recognised by alternate, heart-shaped to diamond-shaped leaves 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long on long stalks, usually with one or two leaves flushed red or orange among the green. Cut stems and leaves release a milky white latex. Flowers are petalless and crowded in slender terminal spikes, ripening into small two-lobed capsules.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 40'

Width/Spread10' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

red

Fall Foliage Colors

red

orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring Summer

Flowering varies with species and climate but is concentrated in spring and summer in subtropical areas, with some species flowering through much of the year in the tropics. The flower spikes are greenish-yellow and inconspicuous against the foliage. Capsules ripen a few weeks after flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Green, turning red or orange

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 sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-6 years (short-lived pioneer)

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most Homalanthus spp. species grow in full sun to light shade on moist, free-draining soils rich in organic matter. They establish quickly as pioneer plants and tolerate soils from sandy loam to clay loam provided drainage is adequate. Warmth is needed, as the genus is frost-sensitive and suited to tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate climates. Regular moisture supports the fast growth, though established plants withstand short dry periods. The wood is soft and brittle, so plants are short-lived and may need replacing after several years. Minimal feeding is required on reasonable soils.

Pruning

Pruning is done to remove broken or crossing branches and to lift the canopy in late winter before new growth. The soft wood snaps easily, so large cuts heal slowly. Cut stems bleed latex, which slows once the wound dries.