A small to medium tree, native to coastal areas of Australia, South East Asia and the South Pacific, this species is very well suited to coastal environments as it tolerates salinity and waterlogging, and can grow in a variety of coastal sands and soils. It is a great plant for many situations, particularly where other plants may not thrive. Perfect as a windbreak, shade plant or screen in coastal areas as it can bear the full brunt of salt and exposure. It can also be grown in poorly draining soils and with bore water. A fast growing tree, it is great for landscaping and can be made into a bonsai. Pruning is necessary to achieve desired size and shape.
Sports handsome dark green foliage and blooms prolifically with bright yellow flowers in summer.
This plant has a variety of uses. The wood is used for boats, as firewood and as carving wood. The plant is popular for bonsai in Taiwan and other Asian countries. The leaves are used for fermenting soy into tempeh in Indonesia, and young shoots are eaten as a vegetable.