Native Hops

Some 50-60 species of evergreen trees and shrubs make up this genus, occuring in the tropics and subtropics. Dodonaea viscosa and its colorful cultivar 'Purpurea' are popular garden shrubs, making good hedges for windy coastal sites in warm regions, and handsome foliage plants for containers under cover. Dodonaea viscosa is used medicinally in many different countries, including, Peru, Burma, India, Taiwan, S Africa, and by Aboriginals in Australia. The leaves contain up to 18 percent tannin, comparable with amounts in Potentilla erecta (See, tormentil). In cases of toothache, the leaves are apparently effective if chewed without swallowing the juice. Dodonaea is named after Rembert Dodoens (1517-85), a Flemish royal physician and professor of medicine at Leiden, who in 1554 published an herbal (Cruÿdboeck).

Dense, spreading shrub or small tree, with sticky, yellow=green, elliptic leaves, 7-13cm (3-5in) long. Yellow-green flowers appear in summer, followed by round, black seeds in 3-winged, reddish to brown or yellow capsules.

Common Name:	Native Hops
Other Names:	Sticky Hop Bush, switch sorrel
Botanical Name:	Dodonaea viscosa
Genus:	Dodonaea
Family:	Sapindaceae
Native Location:	Around coastal areas in tropics and subtropics worldwide.
Cultivation:	Moist, well-drained soil in sun. Pinch out tips to encourage compact growth in container plants. Cut back in spring, and again in late summer if necessary, to maintain shape. Trim hedges lightly in spring.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring at 18°C (64°F); by semi-ripe cutting in summer.
Harvest:	Leaves are picked in summer and used fresh for gargles and poultices, or dried for infusions.
Variation:	Purpurea Has bronze-purple foliage and purple-red capsules.
Height:	3m (10ft)
Width:	1.5m (5ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 3-5°C (37-41°F)
Parts Used:	Leaves
Properties:	A strongly astringent herb that lowers fever and relieves pain.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for fevers. Externally for toothache, sore throat, wounds, and stings.
Culinary Uses:	Capsules are used as a substitute for hops in brewing.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pps. 195-196