| Sterculia
quadrifida, Peanut Tree |
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Sterculia quadrifida -
foliage & fruit - Paul Donatiu ©
2002 | Medium tree, 6-18m, found
in dry rainforests from Richmond River NSW to nthn
Australia and PNG.
Leaves are simple, alternate
in pseudo-whorls, 5 12cm, shiny bright green with long
petioles.
Flower is inconspicuous, creamy-white
and lemon-scented, Nov - Jan.
Fruit is a large,
eye-catching red capsule with about 8 shiny black
seeds.
Handsome, ornamental tree, deciduous in
cooler areas. Requires good drainage
Edible raw
or roasted seeds taste similar to peanuts.
Fresh
seeds germinate easily and quickly, sometimes within 3
days.
Used by Aborigines in N Australia to treat
wounds and stings.
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Sterculia quadrifida -
trunk - Bruce Noble ©
2002 | |
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Sterculia quadrifida -
fruit - Paul Donatiu ©
2002 | | |
