Jagera, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Overview
Jagera is a small genus of trees in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, native to eastern Australia and New Guinea. The plants are evergreen trees, with J. pseudorhus (foambark) reaching about 30 to 65 feet (9 to 20 m) in rainforest and rather less in the open. The leaves are large and pinnate, divided into many narrow, often sickle-shaped leaflets along a central stalk. Small yellowish to brownish flowers are carried in branched sprays, followed by three-lobed capsules densely covered in reddish-brown irritant hairs. These hairs can cause itching on contact with skin. The bark and crushed tissue contain saponins, and the common name foambark refers to the lather produced when the bark is rubbed in water, a property used traditionally as a fish poison and soap substitute. The genus grows in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest and along forest margins on moist, fertile soils. The irritant fruit hairs and the size of the tree limit its use to larger gardens and parks in frost-free climates.
Native Range
Jagera is native to eastern Australia and New Guinea. J. pseudorhus grows along the east coast of Australia from New South Wales to Queensland in rainforest and forest margins.Suggested Uses
Jagera is used as a canopy and shade tree in large gardens, parks, and rainforest restoration in frost-free climates. The fern-like pinnate foliage suits subtropical and rainforest-style plantings. Because of the irritant fruit hairs, the tree is positioned away from paths and play areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 65'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring, roughly September to November in the native range. The small flowers are yellowish to brownish and grouped in branched sprays, with male and bisexual flowers on the same tree. Insects visit the flowers, which are followed by the hairy capsules in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellowish to brownFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
