Synoum, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
scentless rosewood
Overview
Synoum is a small genus in the mahogany family (Meliaceae) from the rainforests of eastern Australia, represented mainly by S. glandulosum, the scentless rosewood. Plants are evergreen shrubs to small trees, typically 10-33 feet (3-10 m) tall, with a slender trunk and a rounded crown. The leaves are pinnately compound with glossy, dark green leaflets dotted with tiny glands. Clusters of small flowers, white to pink and faintly scented, appear among the leaves and are followed by rounded three-valved capsules about 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) across. The capsules split to reveal seeds wrapped in a bright orange-red aril that draws fruit-eating birds. Synoum grows in the understorey and margins of warm-temperate and subtropical rainforest, often on richer volcanic and alluvial soils. It tolerates shade and regenerates from seed in moist, sheltered gullies. The main limit in cultivation is cold, as plants are frost-tender and need a humid, mild climate with steady moisture; they are slow to establish on dry or exposed sites.
Native Range
Synoum is endemic to eastern Australia, occurring in rainforest from south-eastern Queensland through coastal New South Wales, with isolated populations reaching eastern Victoria.Suggested Uses
Grown as an understorey or screening shrub and small shade tree in subtropical and warm-temperate gardens, and used in rainforest revegetation. The arillate fruit makes it a food source in plantings aimed at attracting native birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 33'
Width/Spread8' - 20'
Bloom Information
Flowering is mainly in autumn and winter (March-July in Australia), with small white to pink flowers borne in loose clusters. Capsules ripen over the following months and split open to expose the arillate seeds, which persist briefly before birds remove them.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pinkFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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
