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Dodonea viscosa ssp. cuneata

Posted Fri, 07/05/2010 - 13:02 by locust
Common Names: 
Hop Bush

There are several subspecies of this shrub. In Melbourne the subspecies is often referred to as Dodonea viscosa ssp. cuneata although it is very similar to D. v. spathulata. The two subspecies are separated on the basis of leaf dimensions which may be variable on different plants in the same population.

Ecology: 

This bush is host to the beautiful Ground Shield Bug (Choerocoris_paganus). These brightly coloured bugs may be found around the shrubs in summer. On dry slopes, this shrub forms a dense cover that is much favoured as a hunting ground by small insect eating birds.

Revegetation: 

In the Volcanic Plains Bioregion this species is restricted to the Escarpment Shrubland EVC. It is capable of thriving in very harsh conditions.

Gardening Hints: 

This species makes an attractive, undemanding garden subject. It may be used for hedging or, with trimming of lower branches, be trained into a small tree. The attractively coloured young pods are a feature over several weeks in late spring and early summer.

Propagation: 

Soak in warm to hot tap water for one hour, and sow in late spring/early summer. Expect good germination rates.

If germination rate is low, keep the seed tray as there could be several flushes of germination over summer.