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Psydrax spp.
psydrax
Old World tropics (Africa, Asia, Australia, Pacific)
Overview
Psydrax is a genus of about 100 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the coffee family (Rubiaceae), distributed across the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. Plants range from low shrubs to trees roughly 6-40 feet (1.8-12 m) tall, with smooth bark and hard, dense wood. The opposite leaves are glossy, leathery, and dark green, usually 1-5 inches (2.5-13 cm) long, with prominent veins. Small white, cream, or greenish flowers are borne in branched clusters in the leaf axils and are often sweetly scented, drawing bees and other insects. The flowers are followed by rounded fleshy fruits (drupes) about 0.2-0.5 inch (5-12 mm) across that ripen black and are eaten by birds. Species such as P. odorata are grown for hedging, screening, and coastal planting in frost-free climates. The genus tolerates a range of soils and some drought once established but is sensitive to frost. The hard wood of several species has been used for tools and small implements.
Native Range
Psydrax is native to the Old World tropics and subtropics, including much of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and many Pacific islands. P. odorata occurs in Hawaii and across the Pacific. Species grow in coastal scrub, dry and moist forest, and woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown as hedges, screens, and windbreaks in tropical and coastal gardens, and as small specimen trees or shrubs. The glossy foliage and fragrant flowers suit mixed borders in frost-free climates. Fruiting species are planted to draw birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 40'
Width/Spread4' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to greenish-creamFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Psydrax in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; the genus tolerates sandy, loamy, and coastal soils. Water young plants regularly to establish, then occasionally, as many species withstand short dry spells once rooted. Most species are frost-tender and suited to tropical, subtropical, and warm coastal climates. Feed lightly in the growing season to support dense foliage. Plants respond to clipping, which makes them useful for hedging. Few serious pests affect the genus, though scale insects can appear on stressed plants.Pruning
Prune Psydrax after flowering to shape the plant or maintain a hedge, as it tolerates regular clipping. Removing crossing or crowded branches keeps the canopy open. The hard wood means cuts are clean but slow to callus on older stems.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons