Common Name: Shatterwood

General Information

Backhousia sciadophora is an evergreen shrub or a tree with a dense crown; it usually grows 10 - 15 metres tall, occasionally to 30 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole can be up to 80cm in diameter; it is often flanged or buttressed at the base.
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales to southern Queensland

Habitat

Found in the poorer, drier rainforests, often forming pure stands on steep, rocky slopes or in gorges[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Backhousia sciadophora is a plant of the warm temperate to subtropical zone of eastern Australia. It does experience frost, and can be grown outdoors in the mildest areas of the temperate zone.
Prefers a position in full sun in a fertile moisture retentive well-drained soil[]. Tolerates poor soils and dry conditions[].
The leaves have a spicy aroma[].1

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is prettily marked. It is close-grained, hard and has excellent splitting qualities[, ]. Likely to be useful for wood engraving[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring or autumn in a greenhouse and keep the compost moist until germination takes place. 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.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame[]. Difficult to root[].