Dodonaea viscosa aka Florida Hopbush

Taxonomy

Genus Dodonaea Family Sapindaceae Order Sapindales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Dodonaea viscosa, also known as the broadleaf hopbush, is a species of flowering plant in the Sapindaceae family with a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of Africa, the Americas, southern Asia and Australasia. It is a shrub that typically grows up to 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) tall, occasionally a small tree to 9 m (30 ft) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, generally obovate but some lanceolate, often sessile, 4–7.5 cm (1.6–3.0 in) long and 1–1.5 cm (0.39–0.59 in) broad, alternate in arrangement, and secrete a resinous substance. They are leathery and tough, with a pointed or rounded apex, midribs which are medium and become less visible close to the apex, and usually 6 to 10 pair of veins which may range from 12° to 70° from the midrib. The flowers are yellow to orange-red and produced in panicles about 2.5 cm (0.98 in) in length. The flowers may be male, female or hermaphroditic, with pollen transported by anemophily. The fruit is a capsule 1.5 cm (0.59 in) broad, red ripening brown, with two to four wings. Dodonaea viscosa is also referred to as the Florida Hopbush, and makes a great houseplant with regular watering and bright, direct sunlight. It should be placed within 1 foot of a window.

Common names

Florida Hopbush, Sticky Hopbush, Giant Hopbush

How to care for Florida Hopbush

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Florida Hopbush due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Florida Hopbush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Florida Hopbush thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Giant Hopbush.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Florida Hopbush’s native range is Tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, Australia, New Zealand and N. America.

More info:
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More Species in Dodonaea Genus

Dodonaea ceratocarpa Dodonaea Ceratocarpa

Dodonaea viscosa Florida Hopbush