Elattostachys microcarpa

Scrub Tamarind
Flowering
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Elattostachys
Species: E. microcarpa
Binomial name
Elattostachys microcarpa
S.T.Reynolds

Elattostachys microcarpa, commonly named Scrub Tamarind, is a species of rainforest trees of north-eastern Australia. They grow naturally in the relatively seasonal rainforests, which may have a drought season and often in association with Kauri Pine.[1]

The name Elattostachys refers to "little spikes", a flower feature of other plants in this genus. The specific name microcarpa refers to the small woody seeds.

Description

A tree up to 15 metres (50 ft) tall, with a stem diameter of up to 30 cm (12 in). Leaves pinnate and arranged alternately on the stem. Leaflet blades approximately 100×30 mm (3.9×1.2 in). Young shoots and terminal buds covered with short pale hairs.[1]

Cream flowers form on panicle, followed by round pink or red fruit which split to reveal black glossy seeds

Foliage with a few flowers
Foliage and fruiting capsules open, empty (cultivated tree)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Hyland, B. P. M.; Whiffin, T.; Zich, F. A. et al. (Dec 2010). "Factsheet – Elattostachys microcarpa". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants. Edition 6.1, online version [RFK 6.1]. Cairns, Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), through its Division of Plant Industry; the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research; the Australian Tropical Herbarium, James Cook University. Retrieved 12 May 2013.