Turkey Bush
Hodgkinsonia frutescens
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 1-2.5 m high and spreads 1-2 m wide. The young branches are somewhat angular. The leaves are 9-14 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. They are broadly sword shaped. The leaves are dark green and glossy. There are small teeth around the edge. The flowers occur in large heads of white flowers. The flowers are 0.4 cm long and white. The male flowers are bell shaped and the female flowers are round. The fruit are 0.6 cm long and red.
There are 2 Hodgkinsonia species. They grow in Australia.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in the tropics. It grows in rainforest and in open forest as an understorey plant. In tropical Queensland it grows between sea level and 800 m altitude. It needs shelter and shade when young. It can tolerate light frosts. They need moist free draining soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed.
It is fast growing.