130 / 476
GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid, semi-humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
very high (7000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-9°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
1 m-5 m
Spread
:
2 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
light green
Size
:
0.3 cm
Period
:
May - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
2 cm
This medium to tall shrub occurs with many foliage variations throughout the tropics and is also
widespread in southwestern Saudi Arabia, where it is often seen on the edge of wadis as an erect
shrub with its bright foliage. Its Arabic name is shath. Not grazed by animals, its leaves have
medicinal properties for treating rheumatism and wounds. The lush green creates an accent in
an arid landscape, as a contrast to grey-leaved plants. The bronze-purple leafed variety ‘Purpurea’
from Australia is also attractive with an intense, rich colour in winter. Unfortunately, it can be
less hardy to frost in Arriyadh than the green-leafed species. The insignificant, small flowers
without petals are borne in racemes after spring rains, and also throughout the year. The pollen
has a strong odour at a close distance. Pinkish fruits are attractive in the autumn. Dodonea is
a versatile shrub that is often irregular in shape. It can, however, be planted in formal gardens
and clipped as a hedge or into geometrical shapes. At the same time, as a xerophyte, it is also
drought-resistant and at home in a desert situation, where it evokes the atmosphere of a wadi
bed, when planted in run-off channels. Best in full sun, it will tolerate shade, but it does have the
disadvantage that its greedy lateral and deep roots will take the water from other plants nearby.
Overwatering should be avoided.
129
Dodonaea viscosa,
Sapindaceae
Hop Bush,
Hopwood, shath