Scientific Name: Acronychia Imperforata
Common Name: Coast Aspen
Indigenous Use
Very juicy, sour aromatic fruit eaten.
When to Use
The fruit is ripe from late Summer to Autumn.
Description
Acronychia imperforata is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall.
Identification
Leaves: Acronychia imperforata features simple, opposite leaves that are elliptical to ovate in shape, measuring 5-10 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, with a paler underside. The margins are smooth, and the leaf base is rounded or slightly heart-shaped (Williams & Adam, 2010).
Bark: The bark of Acronychia imperforata is grey to brown and smooth when the tree is young, becoming slightly rougher as it matures. It often peels in small, irregular flakes (Williams & Adam, 2010).
Flowers: The flowers of Acronychia imperforata are small, white to cream, and fragrant. They are typically arranged in clusters (cymes) at the ends of branches or in leaf axils. Each flower has four petals and numerous stamens, giving it a delicate appearance (Jones & Smith, 2015).
Fruit: The fruit is a small, globular drupe, about 5-8 mm in diameter, turning from green to black when ripe. The fruiting period extends from late summer to autumn, providing a seasonal source of food for wildlife (Jones & Smith, 2015).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Rainforests: Sub-tropical rainforests usually consist of three strata of trees with up to 60 species making up the canopy, many with large leaves. Palms and strangler figs are common and the undergrowth Is luxuriant with mayn epiphytic or terrestrial ferns and orchids and abundant large climbers of many species. In Queensland, rainforests can be found in well-known locations like the Daintree Rainforest, Lamington National Park, and Mary Caincross Park.
References
Floyd, A.G., 2008. Rainforest Trees of Mainland South-eastern Australia. Terania Rainforest Publishing, Lismore.
Cooper, W. & Cooper, W.T., 2004. Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions, Melbourne.
Cribb A.B. and J.W., Wild Food in Australia. Collins, Sydney, 1974
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.