Tree of the Month: Elderberry Panax
As there are no other examples within the Reserve, they most likely regenerated from seed dropped by birds, probably Currawongs, which also like to feed on the fruits of its more abundant cousin, Celery Wood (Polyscias elegans)
Polyscias sambucifolia (Elderberry Panax) can be a small spreading shrub to a medium-size tree of 5 metres usually found on the edges of rainforest. Two examples have regenerated naturally in the circle of the Stanwell Avenue Reserve.
As there are no other examples within the Reserve, they most likely regenerated from seed dropped by birds, probably Currawongs, which also like to feed on the fruits of its more abundant cousin, Celery Wood (Polyscias elegans).
Its natural range is from Cape Otway in Victoria to the McPherson Range near the Queensland border with New South Wales.
It is reasonably fast growing even in shady conditions, and its fruits are edible.
