About Ceratopetalum gummiferum Sm.
Ceratopetalum gummiferum Sm. starts out growing as a rounded shrub, and matures into a pyramid-shaped tree. Its leaves are made up of three leaflets, and reach up to 8 cm in total length. The leaf petioles are grooved along their upper side, and measure between 10 and 20 mm long. This species is endemic to New South Wales, Australia. It grows east of the Great Dividing Range, ranging from Ulladulla in the south to Evans Head in the north. When grown in cultivation, plants usually do not grow taller than 6 metres. They can be propagated either from seed or from cuttings; cuttings are the preferred method, as this preserves good colour forms. Cultivated plants require well-drained soil to prevent dieback caused by root-rot fungus. A serious pest of this species is the psyllid Cerotrioza nigromacula, which causes leaves to curl. Sooty mould growth triggered by the pest also blackens the plant's foliage. Severe infestations of C. nigromacula can stunt the plant's growth.
