The Soap Tree or Red Ash is a medium to large tree that is great for supporting a variety of wildlife in your garden. Its small black fruit are eaten by the White-headed pigeon, Columba leucomela and King Parrot, Alisterus scapularis. It is also host for caterpillars of a number of butterflies including the Small Green-banded Blue, Psychonotis caelius taygetus, Fiery Jewel, Hypochrysops ignita, Blue Jewel, Hypochrysops delicia and Indigo Flash, Rapala varuna simsoni.
Description
The Soap Tree can grow to 10-25 meters in height. It has narrow leaves (7 to 12 cm long) with a dark green upper surface and a hairy white under surface. Small cream flowers form in clusters in late autumn and early winter which are followed by small black round fruit.
Growth requirements
This tree is very adaptable and will tolerate a variety of growing conditions from full sun to shade. It prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate different soil types.
