Melicope elleryana
pink-flowered doughwood
Overview
Melicope elleryana is an evergreen rainforest tree reaching 30-65 feet (10-20 m) tall with a rounded, spreading crown and a trunk to about 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter. The leaves are trifoliate, with three glossy oval leaflets each 3-7 inches (8-18 cm) long, dotted with oil glands that release a scent when crushed. Clusters of small pink to mauve flowers form on the older branches and trunk (cauliflory) over summer, followed by clusters of small four-lobed capsules holding shiny black seeds. The flowers produce nectar taken by bees, butterflies, and birds, and the foliage is a food plant for the larvae of several butterflies, including the Ulysses swallowtail. Growth is fast, with young trees adding 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) per year in warm, moist conditions. The wood is soft and pale. The tree is frost-sensitive and is damaged by temperatures near freezing. Surface roots and brittle branches can be a limitation in small gardens.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from northeastern New South Wales through coastal Queensland, and also to New Guinea and nearby islands. Grows in lowland and riverine rainforest on moist, fertile soils, generally below 3,000 feet (900 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade and street tree in frost-free subtropical and tropical gardens, and in rainforest revegetation, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m) apart. Used in butterfly and bird gardens for its nectar and larval-host value. The size, surface roots, and brittle wood limit use near paving and buildings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 65'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly in summer (December to February in the Southern Hemisphere), sometimes extending into autumn. The flower clusters last about 3-4 weeks. Flowering is heavier on mature trees and in warm, moist seasons.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to mauveFoliage Description
Glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soils with regular water. Young trees need consistent moisture and shelter from wind and frost during establishment. Mature trees tolerate short dry periods but drop leaves under prolonged drought. The soft wood and brittle branches can split in storms. Frost near freezing damages foliage and young growth. Surface roots develop in shallow or compacted soils.Pruning
Formative pruning in the early years develops a single leader and clear trunk. Crossing or weak branches are removed in late winter to reduce storm breakage. The soft wood heals slowly, so large cuts are kept to a minimum.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter