Callicoma

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Callicoma
An 1895 illustration by Edward Minchen
An 1895 illustration by Edward Minchen
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Cunoniaceae
Genus: Callicoma
Andrews
Species: C. serratifolia
Binomial name
Callicoma serratifolia
Andrews

Callicoma, is a plant genus that contains just one species, Callicoma serratifolia (Black Wattle), a tall shrub or small tree which is native to Australia.

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[edit] Description

Black Wattle can grow up to 20 metres in height, though in cultivation it is more likely to reach a height of between 6 to 10 metres with a 3 metre spread. It has lanceolate or elliptic leaves that grow up to 12 cm long and 5 cm wide with coarsely serrate margins. The upper side of the leaves are dark green, while the lower sides are white due to the presence of fine, white hairs.The pale-yellow globular flower heads appear in late spring and early summer (November to December in Australia). These average 1.5 cm in diameter and have 1 to 2 cm long stalks.

[edit] Taxonomy

The first published description of the species, in 1809, is attributed to H.C.Andrews. Despite the common name of Black Wattle, and a superficial resemblance to species in the genus Acacia, Callicoma is not closely related.

[edit] Distribution

It occurs within, and on the edges of, rainforest in near-coastal areas within New South Wales and south-east Queensland, mostly along drainage lines or near creeks.

[edit] Common Names

Callicoma serratifolia is commonly known as Black Wattle, as it was used by early settlers in the Sydney area to construct wattle and daub buildings. The species has a number of other common names include Callicoma, Butterwood, Silver Leaf, Silver-leaf Butterwood and Wild Quince.

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