This medium size tree has an upright grey fibrous trunk with spreading branches that form a dense rounded crown. It has oval glossy bright green leaves and the small white saucer-shaped flowers appear in loose clusters during winter.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Backhousia scaidophora is naturally found in Australia growing in sub tropical rainforests in northern New South Wales. It prefers organic rich moist soils in a full sun to semi shaded position and is drought and frost tender.  

Shatterwood is a tree that is grown for its foliage and its spreading habit. It is planted in large gardens or parks as a lawn specimen for shade. It is also used in tropical settings as a feature tree and establishes in 3 to 5 years. It is suitable to grow on the coast or slightly inland and is planted in botanical collections. ID 1950

Note:
The common name was derived from the fact that the wood is difficult to chop but easy to split.

Backhousia (bak-HOW-zee-uh) scaidophora (skai’d-O-for-ra)

Myrtaceae (mir-TAY-see-ee)
Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Clove and Guava Family