Overview
Paratrophis pendulina is an evergreen tree in the Moraceae reaching 20-50 feet (6-15 m) tall, with slender, often pendulous branches forming an open canopy. The bark is grey and smooth to finely fissured. Leaves are alternate, ovate to lance-shaped, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with toothed margins and a rough, sandpapery upper surface. The tree is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants; the small greenish flowers are inconspicuous, the males in slender catkin-like spikes and the females in small clusters. Female trees bear small fleshy fruit about 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across that ripen yellow to orange-red and are eaten by birds. Growth is slow to moderate. The species grows in rainforest and moist forest understorey and tolerates shade. Branches and twigs are tough and flexible, the source of the common name. Leaf surfaces are abrasive to the touch.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales, and also to Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and parts of the south-west Pacific. Grows in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest and along moist forest margins, from lowlands to low mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted as a small shade or screen tree and hedge in gardens and rainforest revegetation, spaced 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) apart. Used in shaded and understorey plantings and in habitat gardens where the fruit feeds birds. Tolerates clipping for use as a tall trimmed hedge.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Flowers are small, greenish, and inconspicuous, appearing mainly in spring. Male trees bear slender catkin-like flower spikes, while female trees carry small flower clusters. Fruit develops on female trees through summer, ripening yellow to orange-red.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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 part shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter, and tolerates shaded understorey positions. Water through the first one to two years to establish; mature trees withstand short dry periods. Frost damages young growth in cooler areas. The tree responds to pruning and can be shaped or hedged. Few significant pests affect it. Only female trees, where present, produce fruit.Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape young trees or maintain a hedge. The species tolerates regular clipping and reshoots from cut wood. Removing lower branches lifts the canopy and exposes the slender stems.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter