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Common Name: Elderberry Panax

General Information

Polyscias sambucifolia is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Australia - Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales.

Habitat

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and the margins of rainforests[].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep rich moist soil[].
This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it can succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country[, ]. It tolerates temperatures down to about -7°c in Australian gardens[], though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters.
A very ornamental plant[]. The leaves are very variable[].
A very variable species, closer investigation will probably reveal that it is comprised of a number of different species[]. Some forms of this species produce suckers[].
The plant has good wind-resistance[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Fairly fast growing and tolerant of shearing, this species can be grown as a hedge[].
A gum similar to 'gum arabic' (which is obtained from various Acacia species) is obtained from this plant[]. It is not wholly soluble[].
Wood - too soft and perishable to be of economic value[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Softwood cuttings in early summer root easily in a closed case[].
Leafless stem cuttings in the summer root easily in a closed case[].