Harpullia | |
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Harpullia pendula | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Rosids |
Order: | Sapindales |
Family: | Sapindaceae |
Genus: | Harpullia Roxb. |
Species | |
See text |
Harpullia is a genus of 37 species of small to medium-sized trees in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. It was first defined by Scottish botanist William Roxburgh in 1824.[1] They have a wide distribution ranging from India eastwards into the Pacific Ocean. They are usually found in or on the margins of rainforests.
The eight species of Australian Harpullia are known as tulipwoods and were prized for their dark coloured timber. Five are endemic.[2] The one most commonly known to horticulture is Harpullia pendula which is widely planted as a street tree along the east coast of Australia. H. frutescens is a small shrub with horticultural potential.[2]