Scientific Name: Endiandra Pubens
Common Name: Hairy Walnut
Indigenous Use
The seed was roasted, pounded and steeped in running water before eaten.
When to Use
The fruit ripens in late summer to autumn.
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Endiandra pubens are simple, alternate, and elliptical to lanceolate in shape. They measure 6-12 cm in length and 2-4 cm in width. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, with a paler and finely pubescent (hairy) underside (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Bark: The bark of Endiandra pubens is smooth and grey to brown in colour. It can become slightly fissured as the tree matures, providing a textured appearance (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: The flowers of Endiandra pubens are small, cream to yellowish, and are arranged in axillary or terminal panicles. Each flower is about 3-5 mm in diameter. They are typically fragrant and attract various pollinators. Flowering usually occurs from late winter to early spring (Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Fruit: The fruit of Endiandra pubens is a drupe, which is ovoid to ellipsoid in shape, measuring 2-3 cm in length. The fruit is green when immature, turning dark purple to black when ripe. The fruit ripens in late summer to autumn and is an important food source for various bird species (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Floridata, 2024).
Image Source: Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery
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 many 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
Australian National Botanic Gardens. (2024). Endiandra pubens. Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au
Plants of the World Online. (2024). Endiandra pubens. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org
Floridata. (2024). Endiandra pubens. Available at: https://floridata.com
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.