Common Acronychia is a small to medium
sized rainforest tree that grows to 12 metres in height. A striking
feature of this plant is the bright white fruit that is produced during
autumn and winter. They are a food source for birds and can be eaten
by humans, although they are quite acid.
Leaves:The
leaves are 4-12cm long and emit a pleasant smell when crushed. Oil
dots are visible and numerous, and the leaf blade is very glossy.
Flowers:The
flowers are produced on the bare stems and behind the foliage.
Fruit:
The
fruit is fleshy, white and about 1.5cm across. It is generally three-lobed
with each lobe containing 1 or 2 seeds.
As this tree is quite common it
can be found in all types of rainforest, except cool-temperate rainforest.
It is quite common on the margins of rainforest, and in regrowth.
It occurs from eastern Victoria to Gympie
in Southeast Queensland.
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
|
