Nematolepis squamea ssp. squamea

Satinwood

Spreading to erect shrub or small tree, branchlets angular, young growth scaly, silvery or rusty

SynonymPhebalium squamea
FamilyRutaceae
StoreyMiddle storey
Size5-12 m x 2-4.5 m
Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
LeavesGlossy, lance-shaped to elliptic, aromatic mid to deep green leaves 3-10 cm x 10-22 mm, silver scales and prominent midrib below, tip blunt to finely pointed.
Flower colourWhite
Flowering timeSeptember to November
FlowersProfuse 5-20-flowered clusters of open flowers to 15 mm wide
Bird attractingInsects
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist well drained soil in gullies of tall forest and rainforest. Semi shade to dappled shade.
Garden useAttractive screening shrub for cool moist gardens.
Commercially availableNot known
Conservation statusRare in Victoria, known possibly from one site in Yarra Ranges.
Related speciesNematolepis squameum ssp. retusum is a smaller shrub more common in the nursery trade.