About Amperea xiphoclada (Sieber ex Spreng.) Druce
Amperea xiphoclada is a smooth, relatively thin, branched erect shrub that is often lime green in color. It bears dull, light brown sessile clustered flowers. This species is distributed across eastern and southern coastal areas, inland ranges of Australia, and across most of Tasmania, and its distribution and populations are currently relatively stable. It grows in woodland, forest, and shrub habitats (called heath areas in Australia). It prefers dry sites, or locations with moist, well-drained soils. Its fruit is a small 2-4mm capsule divided into three sections, which holds 1.5-2.5mm long, shiny black ovoid seeds. Plants in the Euphorbiaceae family have diverse uses, but must be handled with caution because a large proportion of these species are toxic, with toxicity present either in their seeds or stem flesh. Some Euphorbiaceae species can be used as sources of rubber, fruit, and dyes, and have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. Amperea xiphoclada can be used for ground coverage and as an understory plant, and when it has access to sunlight it can grow into a hedge-like feature.
