SafePlants

Alphitonia: An Overview

Alphitonia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). This genus comprises approximately 20 species of trees.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species, such as Alphitonia excelsa, are known as Soap Trees. This alludes to the potential presence of saponins, as indicated by the study "Structure elucidation of three triterpenoid saponins from Alphitonia zizyphoides using 2D NMR techniques." Consider that ingestion of plant parts might cause stomach upset due to the presence of these compounds.

Considerations for Children

• Alphitonia excelsa has traditional indigenous uses, including medicinal applications as a painkiller. While these historical uses may suggest some benefit, exercise caution and avoid self-treating with any plant material.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Alphitonia
• Common Names: Red Ash, Soap Tree, White Ash, Leatherjacket, Coopers Wood, Kauila, Kauwila, O'a (Maui), Pink Ash, Sarsaparilla

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
• Kingdom: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names:
  • Colubrina excelsa Cunn. ex Fenzl
  • Alphitonia zizyphoides (Spreng.) A. Gray
  • Alphitonia ponderosa var. auwahiensis H. St. John
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus

Distribution and Habitat

• Alphitonia species are found in Australia, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
• Alphitonia excelsa is widely distributed across northern Australia, from the Kimberley region of Western Australia to the Northern Territory and Queensland.
• Alphitonia petriei grows in eastern and northern Australia and is a pioneer rainforest species.
• Alphitonia ponderosa is found in Hawaii and was once rare on all the Islands except Kaua'i.

Ecological Role

• Alphitonia excelsa is a natural colonizer in a wide range of conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Alphitonia excelsa is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 15 meters in height and 6 meters in width. It is known for its branching canopy and lovely natural rounded habit, making it a good shade tree. Buds and young stems have grey to golden-brown hairs.
• Alphitonia ponderosa can grow from 2 to 20 meters tall, depending on local conditions. It has pendant leaves.
• Alphitonia petriei has white flowers.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Alphitonia" is derived from the Greek word "alphiton," meaning baked barley meal, referring to the dry, mealy appearance of the leaves.
• The wood of Alphitonia ponderosa (kauila) is greatly treasured by the indigenous Hawaiian population for its attractive appearance.
• Alphitonia excelsa is sometimes called Leatherjacket or, when found growing on the coast, Coopers Wood.
• Alphitonia excelsa is used as a painkiller in traditional medicine.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Save Waterways Now (SOWN) is a community-based volunteer environment organization restoring habitat in Brisbane’s Enoggera catchment, including the planting of Alphitonia.

Further Information

• Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants
• IUCN Red List: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2003.RLTS.T44076A10848537.en
• GRIN Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life