The Sticky Hop Bush - Dodonaea viscosa - is an Australian native common in most of the states and territories. A shrub or small tree, it is an unassuming plant until spring when the females are covered in attractive peaches and cream seed pods. These are the 'hops' and were used by early settlers to make beer. Dodonaea viscosa grows naturally on the block. There are also 7 recognised subspecies, including this purple hop bush - Dodonaea viscosa Purpurea - which is widely available at nurseries (as it's easy to propagate). They are sold as fast growing, up to 5 metres, but the four I have (two males and two females) have struggled to get to one metre in about 7 years (though many plants here take a few years to get going). They can make a colourful hedge, though, and the female plants are very attractive when adorned with seed pods. (Dodonaea are dioecious - with male and female flowers on separate plants). Dodonaea viscosa is an Australian native that, almost two million years ago, spread to Africa, Asia, and the Americas from seeds that departed from Queensland. The seeds float for up to 60 days in salt water. Indigenous peoples in each continent have found various medicinal and practical used for the sticky-hop bush. For example, the seeds are used to poison or stupefy fish. Leaves are chewed as toothache relief for their mild analgesic and euphoric effects. The leaves are known to reduce inflammation and swelling as well as impart an antimicrobial protection to open wounds and infected sites, such as from stingray and jellyfish stings. They are chewed then applied as a poultice. Leafy branches, when burned, create a smoke that can reduce swelling in mucous membranes and loosen phlegm. These medicinal properties have been confirmed by modern testing. The Sticky Hop Bush grows naturally on the block as an attractive, evergreen small tree. Its bark is tough and stringy but the wood is dense and makes good slow-burning firewood. The rather insignificant flowers are enjoyed by bees and other nectar-loving insects and the seed pods make for a colourful display that lasts well into summer.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
February 2019
January - Grass Tree
February - Kangaroo Apple - Large-leaf Grevillea March - Silver Banksia April - Drooping Sheoak May - Correa June - Grevillea July - Buddleja August - Sundews September - Native Hibiscus October - Running Postman November - Hakea December - Sticky Hop Bush |