Whitewood
Origin of name
Family: SAPINDACEAE
- Atalaya derived from indigenous language
- hemiglauca meaning “partly blue-grey”
Occurrence
A local plant occurring on sandy to clayey soils, on flood plains and sandy ridges.
A drought-tolerant tree that can grow in a range of soil types. Prefers full sun. Tolerates heavy pruning.
Appearance
A shrub/small tree to ~6m, with pale grey bark and grey-green foliage. Clusters of cream flowers (May-Oct) lead to one-winged fruit, 20–40 mm long.
Indigenous use: Gum found on trunk & branches is bush tucker – gum is gathered into a lump, kneaded until soft, then eaten. Caterpillars of Wattle Blue butterfly eat the leaves. Valued for shade and fodder.
