About Phaleria clerodendron F.Muell. ex Benth.
Phaleria clerodendron F.Muell. ex Benth., commonly called scented daphne, grows as a large shrub or small tree. It typically reaches around 3.5 m (11 ft) in height, and may grow up to 10 m (33 ft) tall. Plants are often multi-stemmed and may be buttressed. Its simple, glabrous (hairless) dark green leaves can grow up to 20 cm (8 in) long and 7.5 cm (3 in) wide, and are connected to twigs by a petiole around 1 cm (0.4 in) long. Flowering takes place from October to April. Inflorescences mostly grow from branches (ramiflorous) or the trunk (cauliflorous), and may also grow from leaf axils. The fragrant, clustered white flowers have a very long corolla tube, up to 40 mm (1.6 in) long, which is much longer than the petals. After flowering, the plant produces globose, fleshy, red drupe fruits that ripen between December and July. P. clerodendron is endemic to north-eastern Queensland, Australia, with recorded populations ranging from near Cooktown in the north to Cardwell in the south. It grows in well-developed rainforest at altitudes from sea level up to around 900 m (3,000 ft). Its entire range falls almost entirely within the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, only excluding the area's highest peaks and most southern section. The fruits of scented daphne are eaten by cassowaries. This species is considered an attractive ornamental for gardens, valued for its dark green foliage, spectacular pleasantly-scented flower clusters, and colourful fruit. With appropriate care, it can be grown in gardens as far south as Sydney.
