Common names

Tree Violet, A Tree, Whiteywood.

Scientific names

Hymenanthera dentata.

Family

Violaceae.

Genus

Hymenanthera.

Name origin

Hymenanthera, from Greek hymen, membrane, and anthera, anther, referring to thin stamen tube.

Rainfall

550mm.

Growth rate

Slow, moderate.

Growth height

Up to 4m.

Presence in Australia

Predominantly east of the Hume highway. Noted in the areas Talmalmo-Murray; Coppabella; Jingellic; Ournie; Maragle; Tooma; Ardenside-Welaregang; Lower Tooma-Greg Greg; Bringenbrong-Khancoban; Four Mile; Deadmans-Bungowannah-Long Flat; and Upper Gilmore.

This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, Act, Vic, Tas, SA.

Habitat

Amongst rocks, often along creeksides and in alpine heath.

Habit

Rigid shrub to 4m high with branchlets often ending in spines. Dark-green foliage with toothed margins and tiny bell-shaped, fragrant flowers.

Site preference

Well-drained sites. Tolerates most frost.

Characteristics

Apparently long-lived and extremely hardy. Slow-growing. Lush in lightly shaded gullies, or stunted and spiny on exposed dry rocky sites.

Flowering

Pale-yellow, spring-summer.

Seed collection

Late Dec to early April, when berries are pale-green to purple. Monitor closely as seeds shed 3-14 days after maturity.

Propagation

From seed or cuttings. Sowing recommendations vary. Local growers have germinated seed by sowing whole freshly collected fruit about 1cm deep and keeping in non-humid shadehouse. Seeds germinate in 3-4 months. Seedlings easily handled. Rooting hormones improve strike rate of cuttings.

Regeneration

From seed, dispersed by birds.

Shade and shelter

Excellent long-lived low-level cover in windbreaks.

Wildlife

Excellent habitat. Prickly foliage excellent refuge and nesting sites for small native birds. Birds feed on fruit.

Ornamental

Attractive, for hedges, screening, and barriers. Watering over summer, and pruning is beneficial. Floral perfume may be overpowering if plants too close to house doors and windows.