Red Ash / Soap Tree
Origin of name
Family: RHAMNACEAE
- Aphitonia meaning “meal or flour“
- excelsa meaning “tall or lofty“
Occurrence
A species of open forest, monsoon forest & dry rainforest.
Does best in sunny, open positions on well drained soils. Water young trees through hot summers. Can be pruned to shape when young. A useful pioneer species.
Appearance
Tree to ~6m, with leaves green above & white below. Semi-deciduous in the dry. Large heads of small, green-white flowers followed by clusters of globular, dark fruit.
Indigenous use: Crushed leaves/berries (to stun fish); bark/root/leaf infusions (anti-inflammatory agents). Caterpillars of Large Greenbanded Blue, Small Green banded Blue, Copper Jewel, Fiery Jewel & Indigo Flash butterflies eat leaves. Fruit attract birds.
