Polyscias sambucifolia (DC.) Harms

Common Name and Size

Commonly known as elderberry panax, Polyscias sambucifolia (DC.) Harms grows to 11 metres tall with a trunk diameter of 20 cm at Errinundra National Park and Otway National Park in Victoria, Australia.

Trunk Characteristics

Its trunk is straight.

Bark Features

The bark is dark brown or black, fairly smooth, and marked by lenticels, pustules and lines.

Distribution Range

The natural distribution of this species ranges from Cape Otway (38° S) in Victoria to the McPherson Range (28° S), on the border of New South Wales and Queensland.

Habitat

It is often found growing on the edge of rainforests.

Leaf Herbivory

In its ecology, caterpillars of the elderberry panax leaf roller (Cryptoptila australana) feed on the leaves of this plant.

Seed Dispersal

Currawongs eat its fruit and disperse the plant’s seeds afterwards.

Post-fire Regeneration

This species is able to regenerate from root suckers after bushfire, and root suckering has also been recorded at other times.

Colonization Ability

It can also colonize disturbed habitats.

Ornamental Traits

Elderberry panax has attractive foliage and fruit.