Prickly Alyxia (Alyxia ruscifolia)

Here in Australia it’s spring and I have chosen an often overlooked plant, the Prickly Alyxia or Chain Fruit (Alyxia ruscifolia) a member of the Dogbane family Apocynaceae, as the theme.

Commonly found growing as an erect shrub of around two or three meters tall in the understorey of many of the rainforest types in the high rainfall areas that stretch from southern New South Wales to New Guinea; and from sea level to the mountain ranges.

As a general rule plants in this family exude a milky sap if bruised and many species are poisonous if ingested.  The sap is one of the defence mechanisms, which in effect deters herbivores from feeding on the plant.  Apparently the common family name refers to the plant's toxic nature and which has been described as poisonous to dogs.  Derived from the Greek words where apo means ‘away’ and cyno refers to ‘dog.’  The family includes many garden ornamentals such as Golden Bell (Allamanda), Periwinkle (Vinca), Oleander (Nerium), Yellow oleander (Thevetia) and Frangipani (Plumeria).

Alyxia ruscifolia also produces milky latex if any part is broken.  One unique feature is the foliage, with shiny stiff leaves that can be arranged oppositely or in whorls of from three to six.  The leaves are usually not toothed around the edges but have a very sharp pointed tip, hence the term ‘prickly.’  Another interesting aspect is the arrangement of the fruit, a drupe, which may come singly, in pairs or other numbers as an orange/reddish chain; thus ‘chain fruit’.  The plants may be pruned and shaped; and perhaps used as a hedge, or a prickly deterrent along the border of your property.

In the evening, the small white flowers, which besides reflecting the limited amount of light available, also emit the sweetest of perfumes.  By these means the Prickly Alyxia attracts night flying insects for pollination; and as a bonus enhances the surrounding environment for us to enjoy.

For those who enjoy a nightly dose of the sweet taste of spring then the Prickly Alyxia is a must have for the garden.