Dallachy’s Cleistanthus
Origin of name
Family: PHYLLANTHACEAE
- Cleistanthus meaning “closed flower“
- dallachyanus in honour of John Dallachy
Occurrence
A local plant of rainforest, dry rain-forest, vine thickets and beach scrub.
Cultivation requirements are not well known. Natural habitat indicates a preference for good drainage & tolerance of full sun, dry periods and some salt.
Appearance
Tall shrub or small tree (4-8m) with glossy green leaves & rusty-brown new growth. Clusters of small, green-yellow flowers (Jul-Sep, separate male & female) lead to red-brown, 3-lobed fruit with each lobe vertically grooved.
Foliage is attractive, especially with the flushes of new growth. Dense foliage could provide shelter for small animals and useful shade or screen in some settings.
