Homalanthus populifolius aka Queensland Poplar

Homalanthus populifolius is in the spurge family, called Euphorbiaceae. People call it bleeding heart tree or Queensland poplar. Its native range runs from Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands. It also grows wild in eastern Australia and on Norfolk Island. Lord Howe Island forms part of its native range too. Kew places it in a tropical climate with a dry season. The RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland.

This evergreen plant grows as a shrub or small tree. It stands upright, with a loose crown that spreads out. Useful Tropical Plants gives its height as 16–39 feet [5–12 metres]. A separate height entry gives 16 feet [5 metres]. The figures do not make a clear split between garden and wild trees. Young plants have large leaves shaped like a heart. These reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] across. Growers sometimes plant it for the beauty of these young leaves. It keeps its leaves all year, but has a rather short life.

It grows fast, even when raised from seed. A seedling may reach 10 feet [3 metres] in its first year. In the wild, it helps start new growth on cleared land. It also grows where forests return after land has been disturbed. It lives in lowland forests and on lower mountain slopes. Plants grow from sea level to about 3,281 feet [1,000 metres]. They grow on ridges and by rivers. They live in both drained forests and swamp forests.

Wild plants grow in sand, brown loam and broken coral. These records show the range of sites where wild plants grow. They do not give a tested soil guide for gardens. The sources give no firm limits for light, water or frost. Soon after seed ripens, it loses the power to sprout. Sow it fresh rather than store it for later use. You can also raise plants from cuttings, which root with ease.

People gather the bark and leaves to make black dye. They use it to colour baskets and goods made from rattan. They also dye goods made from Corypha palms. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known uses for food or medicine. It lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. The supplied text names no specific pests or diseases. It gives no flower traits or dates for bloom. It gives no detailed account of the fruit.