© kyjp, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Rhodosphaera spp.
Overview
Rhodosphaera spp. is a single-species genus in the family Anacardiaceae, containing only Rhodosphaera rhodanthema, a rainforest tree native to eastern Australia. It grows as a medium tree 30-65 feet (9-20 m) tall with a straight trunk, fissured gray-brown bark, and a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are pinnate, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with 5-15 leaflets that are glossy dark green above and emerge red-tinted, the new growth a coppery red. Small flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across are pink to dull red and borne in branched sprays 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long in spring and early summer, with male and female flowers usually on separate trees. Female trees bear small, rounded, dry red-brown fruits about 0.3 inch (8 mm) wide. Growth is slow to moderate, and the tree is long-lived. The reddish new foliage and flower sprays give seasonal color, while the dense crown casts heavy shade. The sap, like that of related plants in the family, can irritate skin in sensitive people. Frost limits the tree to mild and subtropical climates.
Native Range
Rhodosphaera rhodanthema is native to the subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia, from northern New South Wales into southeastern Queensland. It grows in lowland and lower montane rainforest and along forest margins on fertile, well-drained, often basalt-derived soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade, street, and specimen tree in subtropical parks and large gardens, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m) apart, and the close-grained timber is worked for cabinetry and turnery. The dense crown and reddish new growth suit it to lawns and avenues with room for a medium tree. Its eventual size and heavy shade make it less suited to small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 65'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring and early summer, mainly October to December in its native range, in branched sprays held among the leaves. Male and female flowers usually occur on separate trees, so fruiting depends on both being present. Female trees then carry red-brown fruits that ripen over summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to dull redFoliage Description
dark green, coppery-red when newGrowing 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