Dodonaea

Dodonaea is a genus of approximately 70 species of flowering plants in the family Sapindaceae, commonly known as hop bushes or hop-leaf. These plants are native to Australia, New Zealand, and islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Dodonaea species are typically shrubs or small trees, varying in size and habit. They are characterized by their simple, alternate leaves, which are often leathery and can be entire, toothed, or pinnately compound. The most distinctive feature of many Dodonaea species is their fruit, which is a papery, inflated capsule that resembles a hop cone, hence the common name.

The flowers of Dodonaea are small and inconspicuous, usually greenish or yellowish, and borne in terminal or axillary clusters. They are typically dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. Despite their unassuming flowers, the colorful, papery fruits are a significant ornamental feature, attracting pollinators and aiding in seed dispersal by wind.

Dodonaea species are often found in a range of habitats, from arid and semi-arid regions to coastal areas and mountain slopes. Many are adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate a variety of soil types. Some species are cultivated for their ornamental value, particularly for their attractive fruits and foliage. In Australia, several species are used in revegetation projects and for attracting wildlife. Dodonaea viscosa, for instance, is widely distributed and has a number of common names, including sticky hop bush, due to its resinous foliage.