Synoum glandulosum
scentless rosewood
Overview
Synoum glandulosum is an evergreen shrub to small tree reaching 3-8 m (10-26 ft) tall and 2-4 m (6.5-13 ft) wide, native to rainforest and its margins along the east coast of Australia. The pinnate leaves carry 3 to 13 leaflets, each 4-10 cm (1.6-3.9 in) long, glossy dark green above with scattered translucent gland dots. Clusters of small pink to red flowers open in panicles from autumn into winter and are scentless, which separates this species from the scented rosewoods. The fruit is a leathery rounded capsule 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) across that ripens dull orange-red and splits into three valves to release seeds enclosed in a bright red aril eaten by birds. Plants grown in open positions form a dense rounded crown to ground level, while those in shade develop a taller, more open framework. The species grows on a range of well-drained soils and regenerates after light disturbance. Growth slows markedly in cold sites, and foliage and stems are damaged by frost until the plant is established, which limits its use to frost-free and coastal districts.
Native Range
Occurs in eastern Australia from north-eastern Queensland south to the south coast of New South Wales, growing in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, gallery forest, and along moist gully margins from sea level to about 900 m (2,950 ft).Suggested Uses
Used as a screening or hedging shrub, a rainforest understorey plant, and in revegetation of moist coastal sites. The bird-attracting fruit suits habitat and wildlife plantings. Spaced 1.5-2.5 m (5-8 ft) apart for a continuous screen.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 26'3"
Width/Spread6'7" - 13'1"
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from autumn through winter, roughly March to July, with small pink to red flowers held in branched panicles among the foliage. Capsules develop over the following months and colour orange-red by late winter to spring. Flowering is sparse in heavily shaded positions.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to redFoliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in a sheltered position in part shade to full sun on moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly through the first few summers until roots establish, then reduce watering as the plant tolerates short dry spells in cooler districts. Apply a slow-release native fertiliser in spring if growth is weak. Mulch to keep roots cool and suppress weeds. Young foliage and soft stems are scorched by frost below about -2 C (28 F), so the species succeeds mainly in frost-free coastal and subtropical gardens. Established plants need little ongoing care.Pruning
Tip prune after flowering to encourage a denser, bushier crown, particularly on plants grown as screens. Older specimens tolerate harder cutting back into bare wood and reshoot from the base. Remove dead or frost-damaged stems in spring once cold risk has passed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons