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Identify this tree?
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Posted by koiwabiru Melbourne AU (My Page) on Fri, Mar 17, 06 at 3:13
I am not even sure this is a tree per se, but it is growing in the backyard of my new house in suburban Melbourne. It is about 8 feet tall.
Does anyone know what it is?
cheers
Kate |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Identify this tree?
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Hi Kate..... I though it may have been a Privet but I am not sure now as the leaves look the wrong green.
There are lots of privets, not to worry someone will know....Cheers..MM. |
RE: Identify this tree?
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| Note that the leaves are pinnate, also that they are arranged in opposite pairs on the stems. There are not too many plant families in which this combination occurs, the best known one being Bignoniaceae (e.g. Campsis). Others are Oleaceae (Fraxinus) and Caprifoliaceae (Sambucus - though now often segregated into Sambucaceae). Of the above possibilities, the one your plant looks most like is Sambucus (elder), though leaflet shape doesn't look quite right for the common S. nigra or S. canadensis. If you can't get any further here, try posting your pic on the Name That Plant forum in GardenWeb's main American site. |
RE: Identify this tree?
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| Thanks Tony, I am inclined to agree with you about it looking like the Sambucus - although from the pictures on the internet I have seen, having some fruit would be helpful, and this doesn't show any signs of flowers or fruit. I have posted it over at Name that Plant, and I hope someone will be able to identify it. thanks Kate |
RE: Identify this tree?
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| Kate, this is an Elderberry Caprifoliaceae Sambucus nigra - I have quite a few growing around my place here at Ballarat. Due to the long, hot, dry summer they are a little stressed, hence the yellowish leaves and bare stems. You can cut them back very hard and they will sprout again in spring. I use the berries to make elderberry jelly, which tastes very similar to blackberry jam but it has no seeds. |
RE: Identify this tree?
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| Now I agree with Robyn. Compare leaflet shape and toothing with linked pic from Europe. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Sambucus nigra
RE: Identify this tree?
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| Thanks for all your help! I will have to water her more, and maybe next year I will get some fruit from her. cheers Kate |
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