Southern Sassafras

The Southern Sassafras or Blackheart Sassafras, known scientifically as Atherosperma moschatum, is an evergreen tree found in the cool temperate rainforests of Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow 6 to 20 meters tall in most areas but reach over 40 meters under the right conditions. The tree has a conical shape and green to pale green leaves.

The flowers grow in winter and face downward to avoid rain and snowfall. They are white with yellow and occasionally maroon-centered. This tree grows alongside Nothofagus cunninghamii in Victoria and Tasmania and with Nothofagus moorei at higher elevations in New South Wales. The leaves, twigs, and flowers of Southern Sassafras are fragrant with a pleasant nutmeg scent. This plant requires a cool aspect, shade, adequate moisture, and humidity to thrive.