Psydrax spp.

psydrax

Rubiaceae

Old World tropics (Africa, Asia, Australia, Pacific)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Psydrax spp. 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 spp. 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

Recognize Psydrax spp. by its opposite, glossy, leathery dark green leaves with clear veining and its axillary clusters of small white to greenish, often fragrant flowers. The fruits are rounded fleshy drupes that ripen from green to black. Many species form dense, twiggy shrubs or small rounded trees.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 40'

Width/Spread4' - 20'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering varies with climate, but in the tropics many species bloom in spring and summer, sometimes more than once a year following rain. The small fragrant flowers open over several weeks. Black fruits follow and can persist on the plant for some time.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to greenish-cream

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Psydrax spp. 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 spp. 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

summer