Family: Pittosporaceae
Author: Cav.
Bibliography: Icon. 4: 30 (1797)
Year: 1797
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bursaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. & SE. Australia
Description
The Australian blackthorn, scientifically known as Bursaria spinosa, is a versatile and resilient shrub or small tree endemic to the eastern and southeastern regions of Australia. Belonging to the Pittosporaceae family, this plant has garnered attention not only for its hardiness but also for its ecological importance and attractive appearance.
Characterized by its thorny branches, Bursaria spinosa typically reaches a height of 2 to 10 meters, making it suitable for a variety of landscape uses. The foliage is a lush green, featuring small, ovate leaves that provide a dense cover. During the summer months, the Australian blackthorn produces fragrant, white to cream-colored flowers that are arranged in panicles. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve as a crucial nectar source for native pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Following the flowering period, the plant develops small, flattened seed capsules that mature to a dark brown or black hue. These seeds are often dispersed by wind or wildlife, facilitating the spread of the species in its natural habitat. The hardy nature of Bursaria spinosa allows it to thrive in a range of conditions, from coastal areas to inland regions, often occupying open woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands.
Ecologically, the Australian blackthorn plays a significant role in its native environment. It provides essential shelter and food for various insects and birds, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Additionally, the plant’s thorny structure offers protection to smaller wildlife, making it an important component of the local ecosystem.
Cultivation of Bursaria spinosa is generally straightforward, as the plant is adaptable to different soil types and can tolerate drought once established. Gardeners and landscapers often use it for creating natural hedges, windbreaks, and erosion control due to its robust nature and dense growth habit.
The Australian blackthorn also holds historical significance, having been documented as early as 1797 in the botanical literature. Its resilience and adaptability make it a valuable species for both ecological restoration projects and ornamental gardening. In summary, Bursaria spinosa stands out as a vital and attractive plant that supports native wildlife and enriches the biodiversity of its habitat.
Common Names
Eng: australian blackthorn, mock orange, prickly-box, prickly-pine, sweet bursaria
En: Australian blackthorn, Sweet bursaria, Prickly-box, Prickly-pine, Mock orange, Blackthorn, Christmas Bush, Prickly Box
Fi: Piikkikielopensas
Synonyms
- Bursaria spinosa var. normalis (Domin)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Queensland (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Tasmania (native)
- Victoria (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2020 by Hailey Spanglemaker (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2020 by Marion Davis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Chris Crispe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Mary Graham (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 4, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Chris Crispe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Mary Graham (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Ball Darren (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by R Tearche (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Erda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by R Tearche (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Erda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 4, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2020 by Nick Scott (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7303844)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:684293-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bursaria spinosa Cav.)