HOPBUSH --Dodonea viscosa--

AKA "Ake Ake" (Maori word meaning Forever & Ever). Shrubby tree in the soapberry family, can grow to 15', can be pruned to shape a tree or hedge. Drought and sun tolerant. The list of uses for this plant is almost endless! Wood is durable and tough, excellent for tool handles and other projects - contains a sticky resin that make the branches great for torches. Traditionally used to flavor beer, medicinally to treat digestive issues, leaves chewed for toothache, juice as a styptic, and the aromatic leaves were burned for funerary incense. Flowers used for leis in Hawaii, and used for lactation issues in New Guinea. Wonder plant! Protect from hard freezes with cover while small, and placing in southern exposure. Hardy to about 15F once well established. Tolerates poor soil and suitable for container.