Hard Aspen / Glossy acronychia
Origin of name
Family: RUTACEAE
- Acronychia meaning “clawed tip“
- laevis meaning “smooth or hairless“
Occurrence
A local plant of monsoon forest and drier, more seasonal
rainforest. An understorey plant in some beach scrubs.
Grows well in light shade – tolerates sun if well watered. Requires good drainage. Good as small garden/tub plant. Crushed leaves very aromatic. Can retain lower branches.
Appearance
Small tree (4-8m) with deep green, glossy leaves. Clusters of small, cream flowers (Nov-Feb) lead to four cornered, fleshy, slightly inflated/pleated fruits (~1.4 cm diameter), usually mauve to purple when ripe.
Green Catbird & forest pigeons eat the fruit. Larval food plant for Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly. Flowers attract many butterflies. Fruit not palatable to humans.
