Hymenanthera dentata Tree Violet PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Hymenanthera dentata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

H. banksii. F.Muell.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Dye Hedge Hedge Wood

A light-fast purple dye is obtained from the berries[154]. The plant makes a good screen or hedge[157]. It is unlikely to be of any use for this purpose in Britain due to its tenderness[K]. Wood - hard, bright yellow. Used for turnery[154].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a sunny position in most soils[182]. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in a sunny sheltered position[200]. Plants are frost-tender and so cannot be grown outdoors in Britain[1]. They tolerate temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[157] though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. An alpine form of this species does exist and this should be hardier than the type[157]. The very closely related H. angustifolia. DC., which is considered by some botanists to be no more than a variety of this species, is quite hardy at Kew and is said to tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c[200]. Even if the two plants are separate species, then H. angustifolia is likely to have the same uses as this plant[K].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in late winter or early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 5cm with a heel, July/August in a headily shaded frame. Pot up in spring. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature side-shoots, 4 - 5cm with a heel, October/November in a cold frame. Lift in the following April. High percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AUSTRALASIA: Australia (Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

R.Br. ex DC.

Botanical References

11154200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Hymenanthera dentata - R.Br. ex DC.