Planchonella eerwah
(F. M. Bailey) P. Royen
Black Plum, Shiny-leaved Coondoo
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPlanchonella eerwah is a rare species of Australian rainforest tree in the family Sapotaceae. Common names include shiny-leaved condoo, black plum and wild apple. It is endemic to south eastern Queensland, with a restricted distribution and regarded as endangered. The tree was first described as Sideroxylon eerwah in 1894 by Frederick Manson Bailey, before being moved to its current binomial name by Baehni in 1942. The species name is derived from Mount Eerwah near Eumundi in Queensland. A genetic analysis of material found that Planchonella eerwah was most closely related to Planchonella cotinifolia, and Planchonella australis was a sister to the two species – the three forming a distinct group. Planchonella eerwah grows as a tall shrub or small tree reaching 4 to 10 metres (13 to 33 ft) high with scaly bark on its trunk. It has leathery leaves with prominent raised veins which measure 4–14 cm (1.5–5.5 in) in length. Flowers and fruit can be found in any season. The flowers are a cream-green colour and hairy and are about 4 mm long. The dark red-purple to black fruit are oval to globular, measuring 3–6 cm (1–2.5 in) long, with three to five seeds. It is restricted to three locations in southeastern Queensland. It grows on rocky slopes in vine thickets and rainforest. Dominant associated species in southern populations include hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), Harpullia pendula, and members of the genus Flindersia, and in the northern Argyrodendron species, Atalaya multiflora, Choricarpia subargentea, Excoecaria dallachyana, and Flindersia australis. Threats include overrunning of habitat by weeds such as lantana (Lantana camara), and in the Sunshine Coast glycine (Neonotonia wightii), corky passionflower (Passiflora suberosa), and umbrella tree (Heptapleurum actinophyllum). Feral pigs eat the fruit and seeds.
Description
A tall shrub or tree. It grows 4-20 m high and spreads 3-6 m wide. The bark is scaly and brown. Young growth has grey hairs. The leaves are 4-10 cm long by 1.5-6.5 cm wide. They are broadly oval or spoon shaped. They are leathery. They are dark green and shiny above and dull underneath. They taper to the base. The flowers are 0.4 cm long and cream-green. They are hairy on the outside. The fruit are berries 3-6 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are rounded oval and dark reddish-purple. There are 1-5 seeds and they are 2.5-3 cm long.
Edible Uses
The fruit are edible.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows on rocky slopes and ridges in vine thickets and rainforest. It needs well drained soil. It can tolerate light frost. Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from fresh seed and cuttings of firm young growth.
Notes
There are about 100 Planchonella species. They are mostly in Asia and the Pacific.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Red ccndoo
References (4)
- Blumea 8:302. 1957
- Edible and Useful Native Plants (off internet) (As Pouteria eerwah)
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 356 (Drawings)
- Williams, J.B., Harden, G.J., and McDonald, W.J.F., 1984, Trees and shrubs in rainforests of New South Wales and Southern Queensland. Univ. of New England, Armidale. p 92, 100
