Brush Kurrajong
Commersonia fraseri
Family: Sterculiaceae
What it is like
Commersonia fraseri is a SHRUB growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
River banks, near rainforests, on more fertile cleared land.
Australia - Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The fibrous bark is used for making cordage, netting, weaving etc. The plant is used to make a screening hedge in Australia.
How it is grown
This species is hardy to about -7° c in Australian gardens, though this cannot be translated as hardiness in British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. Plants are shade-tolerant in Australia. 154
Propagating it:
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist