Plant of the month 05/2026: Pomaderris canescens

Photo: Julia Hazel

Pomaderris canescens (Rhamnaceae) is a Queensland endemic, typically growing as a medium-sized shrub in the understory (photo above) of seasonally dry tropical woodlands and open forests.

Photo: Julia Hazel

During our recent outing to the area west of Paluma and north of Mt Zero, we found many Pomaderris canescens making a beautiful show with their terminal clusters of dainty white flowers (photo above) contrasting against attractive deep green foliage.

Photo: chloees (CC BY-NC)
https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/photos/371534454

The underside of Pomaderris canescens leaves (photo above) are very pale green with distinctly raised veins.

Photo: Russell Cumming

Pomaderris canescens is rarely seen in cultivation but it can be propagated from seed (photo above) and might do well in a well-drained, semi-shaded garden.