Elderberry Panax
Polyscias sambucifolia

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

Polyscias sambucifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. 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. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 4.5

Where it is found

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and the margins of rainforests.

Australia - Queensland, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Fairly fast growing and tolerant of shearing, this species can be grown as a hedge. A gum similar to 'gum arabic' (which is obtained from various Acacia species) is obtained from this plant. It is not wholly soluble. Wood - too soft and perishable to be of economic value.

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Prefers a deep rich moist soil. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it can succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country. It tolerates temperatures down to about -7°c in Australian gardens, though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer, colder and wetter winters. A very ornamental plant. The leaves are very variable. A very variable species, closer investigation will probably reveal that it is comprised of a number of different species. Some forms of this species produce suckers. The plant has good wind-resistance.

Propagating it: Seed - sow 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. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Softwood cuttings in early summer root easily in a closed case. Leafless stem cuttings in the summer root easily in a closed case.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Panax sambucifolium. Nothopanax sambucifolium. Tieghemopanax sambucifolius