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(Ceratopetalum gummiferum)
New South Wales Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum)
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Tatters
CC BY-SA 2.0
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Tatters
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CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tatters | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Tatters | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ceratopetalum gummiferum, commonly known as New South Wales Christmas Bush, is a tall shrub or small tree that is deciduous and native to the coastal rainforests and sclerophyll forests of New South Wales, Australia. It typically grows to a height of up to 6 meters and has a pyramidal form when mature. The leaves are trifoliate, with three leaflets up to 8 cm long, and petioles that are grooved on the upper side and 10 to 20 mm long. The small, white five-petalled flowers appear in sprays from October, and after fruiting, the sepals enlarge and turn bright red-pink, creating a festive display that peaks around Christmas in its native range. The bark is smooth and may peel in flakes.
The New South Wales Christmas Bush is celebrated for its vibrant red sepals that provide a striking display in the garden, particularly during the holiday season in the Southern Hemisphere. It is commonly used in residential gardens for its ornamental value and as a cut flower in festive arrangements. This plant requires well-drained soil to prevent dieback associated with root-rot fungus. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it can be propagated by seed, cuttings are preferred to ensure the retention of desirable color forms. Gardeners should be aware that the plant may require protection from strong winds and frost in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
The New South Wales Christmas Bush is celebrated for its vibrant red sepals that provide a striking display in the garden, particularly during the holiday season in the Southern Hemisphere. It is commonly used in residential gardens for its ornamental value and as a cut flower in festive arrangements. This plant requires well-drained soil to prevent dieback associated with root-rot fungus. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it can be propagated by seed, cuttings are preferred to ensure the retention of desirable color forms. Gardeners should be aware that the plant may require protection from strong winds and frost in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 15-30 feet
- Width: 6-9 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Coastal rainforests and sclerophyll forests of New South Wales, Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Christmasbush
Scientific Names: Ceratopetalum gummiferum
GBIF Accepted Name: Ceratopetalum gummiferum Sm.