Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa
| Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Tribe: | Myrteae |
| Genus: | Rhodomyrtus |
| Binomial name | |
| Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa Benth.[1] | |
Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa is a species, also known as Wannakai, Finger Cherry, Cooktown Loquat, of the botanical family Myrtaceae.
It grows into a tree, native in NE Australia, New Guinea and Aru Islands.[2]
In Australia, botanical sources describe it naturally occurring from coastal central Queensland to the Wet Tropics, where it extends up to 800m above sea level, and through to Cape York Peninsula; it grows in complex wet rainforests, yet more commonly in drier, more seasonal kinds and in monsoon forests.[2]
Sometimes cultivated for its ornamental flowers and fruit.
The bright red fruit are poisonous, especially so to children[2] and have been known to cause permanent blindness.
References
- ↑ "Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa Benth.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hyland, B. P. M.; Whiffin, T.; Zich, F. A. et al. (Dec 2010). "Factsheet – Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa". 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 16 Mar 2013.
- Shepherd, R.C.H. (2004). Pretty but Poisonous. Australia: R.G. and F.J. Richardson. p. 202. ISBN 0-9587439-9-1.