Naturalised and poisonous

A shrub or tree growing up to 10 metres 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. It is a significant environmental weed problem in South-East Queensland, particularly in riparian areas and disturbed sites, where it can displace native species. Broad-leaved privet is a Restricted Invasive Plant in Queensland.

Photo: Robert Whyte

Photo: Robert Whyte

Photo: Robert Whyte

Photo: Robert Whyte

Fruit close-up. This specimen was photographed on Riaweena Street The Gap, where it is widespread, sometimes in dense thickets. Photo: Robert Whyte