Araliaceae

Celerywood is a fast growing pioneer species, which can grow to 25 metres.  However Celerywood is generally small, slender and unbranched with a decorative crown.  When the bark is cut it emits a smell similar to celery, and the bark apparently even tastes similar to celery. 

Leaves:  The leaves on Celerywood are long, which are then divided into small leaflets bunched at the ends of the branches.  The leaflets are oval, dark green and glossy; and are about 4-13 cm long.
Flowers:  The purple flowers are produced on branched stems in clusters, but are relatively inconspicuous.  Flowers in autumn.
Fruit:   The fruit is a small dark purple two-seeded berry, which is relished by figbirds and currawongs during autumn and winter. 


Celerywood is common in rainforest regrowth, and will grow in all types of rainforest.  It has a preference for warm conditions, ample rainfall and fertile soil.


Celerywood has a wide distribution and can be found north from the Illawarra region to Cape York.


Hauser, J. (1992) Fragments of Green - An Identification Field Guide for Rainforest Plants of the Greater Brisbane Region, Rainforest Conservation Society, Queensland.

Nan & Hugh Nicholson (1985, 1988, 1991,1994) Australian Rainforest Plants I, II, III & IV, Terania Rainforest Publishing, Australia. 

  


Photo: Nan & Hugh Nicholson