Trema tomentosum
nettle tree
Eastern and northern Australia, Southeast Asia, Pacific
Overview
Trema tomentosum is a fast-growing evergreen large shrub or small tree reaching 10-30 feet (3-9 m) tall, with a spreading, often open crown and slender, brittle branches. The alternate leaves are ovate with a long-pointed tip and finely toothed margins, 1.5-4.5 inches (4-11 cm) long, dull green, with a rough, sandpapery upper surface and softly hairy underside, and three veins from the base. Small greenish flowers cluster in the leaf axils, followed by round black drupes about 0.1-0.2 inch (3-5 mm) wide that are eaten by birds. Flowering and fruiting occur over much of the year in warm climates. As a pioneer species it colonises cleared and disturbed ground quickly, growing several feet a year, but it is short-lived and weak-wooded. The foliage contains cyanogenic compounds and is toxic to grazing livestock, giving rise to the common name poison peach. Branches break readily in wind.
Native Range
Native to eastern and northern Australia and widespread through Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Grows on rainforest margins, riverbanks, and cleared or disturbed ground, from coastal lowlands to low hills, on a range of moist, well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Planted in revegetation and as a fast pioneer for shade and bird habitat on disturbed or cleared land, spaced 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) apart. The black fruit draws fruit-eating birds. Its short life, brittle wood, and toxic foliage limit its use near grazing stock or in long-term ornamental plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread8' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Small green flowers appear over much of the year in warm climates, with the main flush in spring and summer. Flowering and fruiting often overlap, so green flowers and ripening black fruit occur together. Cooler conditions concentrate flowering into the warmer months.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soils and establishes quickly on cleared or disturbed sites. It is fast-growing and drought-sensitive when young, needing water through the first dry season. As a short-lived pioneer it is often replaced by longer-lived trees over time. The brittle wood breaks in strong wind, and the shallow roots can lift in saturated ground. The foliage is toxic to cattle and other grazing animals.Pruning
Tolerates pruning and reshoots readily from cut stems, which suits it to coppicing or height control. Removing low branches forms a clearer trunk. The soft, brittle wood means storm-damaged limbs are common and are cut back as they occur.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter