Scientific Name: Homalanthus populifolius

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  • Pronunciation:
    hoh-mah-LAN-thus pop-yoo-lih-FOH-lee-us
  • Common Name:
    Native Bleeding Heart
  • Derivation:
    was Homalanthus nutans
  • Type:
    Shrub or small tree
  • Family:
    EUPHORBIACEAE
  • Flowers:
    Cream flowers in spikes to 10cm, September to December
  • Fruit:
    Purple 2-lobed fruit
  • Vegetation Type:
    Rainforest margins
  • Species List:
    FI Podberscek, NNP Parkedge/Alex, NNP service road, BSDoonan, Fraser Island, Cranks Creek, Batianoff 87, NNS, Upper Yandina Creek, Boreen Point, TAFE, NNP Tanglewood, BHNR, Stratford Park
Cultural Notes

TAKE CARE! Some information about bush foods and medicines may be anecdotal. Correct identification and preparation is essential:

Bush Medicine: Aborigines and Chinese miners used freshly crushed leaves to stop bleeding.

Samoan healers used the bark of the plant to treat hepatitis and sent their mixtures to the National Cancer Institute (USA), which isolated prostratin, an experimental but promising anti-HIV compound.

Identification Notes

Leaves alternate, grey green, with a few older leaves turning red. Milky latex present in young leaves and petioles

Associated Fauna

Brown pigeons eat the fruit.

Landscaping Notes

Pioneer plant, fast-growing. Prefers good drainage and moisture. Indoor pot plant potential.