Scarcely attaining a height of 4 metres this shrub is an understory inhabitant of the lowland rainforests of North Queensland.

Rosy Apple - Flowers of Phaleria clerodendron - Photo by Bill Hinton

In every aspect this is an appealing plant. New foliage is bronze-green, but soon changes to a bright apple green and finally to rich mid green and is very glossy in all stages. Leaves may be 15 to 20cm long.

Flower heads appear on the trunk and along the branches. Each flower head consists of several creamish white tubular blossoms. As each blossom measures about 4cm in length flowering is a spectacular occurence.

Fruit form in clusters and are very ornamental with their brilliant colouration. This shrub has tremendous potential as a garden subject in humid, high rainfall regions, and is an ideal choice for heavily shaded situations.

Flowering takes place during spring with fruits maturing late December or early January. Seed germinate readily and growth is rapid. Young plants require ample moisture and solid shade.