Ligustrum sinense

Also known as: Small-leaved Privet
Family: Oleaceae Photo © Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group
Small-leaved Privet can take form as a shrub or small tree. It is an invasive woody weed, especially in coastal rainforests. It is tolerant of low light conditions, and favours nutrient-enriched sites, creeks, and drainage areas. Small-leaved Privet has small leaves with wavy edges and stems which are pale in colour. Flowers are white, fragrant, and it is thought that the pollen from these cause allergies. It flowers from Spring through to Summer, and the seed produced is a black berry.

Reproduction
Small-leaved Privet will germinate prolifically from seed, and also will reproduce via suckers. The spread of this weed is caused by birds, bats, and water distributing seeds, and also via rubbish dumping, as it is capable of regrowth from cut stems.

Erdication Techniques
The best time of year for eradicating Small-leaved Privet is Summer through to Autumn.