Quick facts
| Arabic name | الدودونيا |
|---|---|
| English name | Dodonaea (Hopbush) |
| Scientific name | Dodonaea viscosa |
| Family | Soapberry family (Sapindaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Height | Usually 1 to 4 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to March
Harvest
Not harvested
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Narrow, shiny, slightly sticky leaves and papery winged fruits that turn pink or red. It grows thick and upright.
Where it grows
Grows wild on the slopes of Asir and Al-Baha, and is planted as a hedge in cities like Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah.
Soil
Handles poor, rocky and sandy soil.
Water and irrigation
Low once settled, and handles drought.
Climate and light
Full sun. Handles heat and wind.
Propagation
From seeds and cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- A water-saving green hedge and windbreak
- Holds soil on slopes
- A good choice instead of thirsty hedges
Drawbacks
- Sticky leaves collect dust
- Needs pruning to stay thick
- Seeds may spread around it
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Dodonaea viscosa
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Dodonaea viscosa
- Wikipedia: Dodonaea viscosa
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)