Ligustrum lucidim (OLEACEAE) Broad-leaf privet

A shrub or tree growing up to 10 m tall native to China and Japan cultivated as a hedge or windbreak, now naturalised in and around rainforest areas. Stems and leaves are hairless. The leaves and fruit of all privet species are poisonous. The berries are a particular problem with children. Ingestion can result in severe stomach irritation, pain, vomiting and diarrhoea with occasional drowsiness.

Entire (not toothed) opposite leaves vary in shape from egg-shaped to oval with a pointed tip and a rounded base. They are somewhat glossy and yet leathery.

Flowers are white in branched inflorescences up to 20 cm long from spring to summer.

Fruits are blue-black berries each containing four seeds. Not declared in Queensland. In New South Wales it is regarded as noxious.

This specimen was photographed on Riaweena Street The Gap, where it is widespread, sometimes in dense thickets.