Alphitonia excelsa

Red Ash, Soap Tree

Rhamnaceae

Form and Size: Slender, upright tree, variable in size, but usually not exceeding 10m outside of rainforest areas.

Distribution: Qld., N.T., WA. and N.S.W. in rainforests, open forests and arid areas. 

Leaves: Thin, elongated oval shape, smooth and olive-green above, whitish and hairy beneath, prominent veins, 7-20cm x 3.5-7.5cm.

Bark: Smooth, creamy-grey.

 Flowers: Whitish to cream-green, numerous, small, strongly scented; in large clusters.

Flowering Period: February to April. 

Fruit: Capsules, flattened, dry, woody, black when ripe, about 1cm diameter, several red seeds.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from seed. Very adaptable tree, suited to a wide range of conditions. Crushed leaves will lather in water and make a suitable soap substitute