Spectacular in flower

Tree to 40 metres but more commonly to 15 metres in cultivation. Found in subtropical, littoral, riverine and warm temperate rainforests from northern NSW to Atherton Tableland. Leaves alternate, shape quite variable, from simple through to pinnatifid; simple leaves 12-20 cm in length, somewhat thick and rigid, tapering to the petiole, and with the tip bluntly pointed. Upper surface of blade glossy dark green, paler below. Flowers bright orange-red in wheel-like clusters 7-10cm across near ends of branches, in leaf axils or arising from scars of fallen leaves. Appear Feb to March. Popular in cultivation. Spectacular when in flower. Timber is suitable for cabinet work. The tree is subject to borers. Makes an excellent container plant for indoor use. Flowers attract nectar-feeding birds. Also called White Beefwood, Firewheel Tree, White Beefwood, White Silky Oak.

Foliage and flower. Photo: John Robert McPherson CC BY-SA 4.0

Seed collecting and propagation

Fruit a dark grey-brown follicle, 5-10cm long and more than 2cm wide, somewhat boat-shaped, containing numerous winged, overlapping seeds. Ripe April to September. Propagate from fresh seed, which germinates within a month with a high success rate. Cuttings are difficult to strike.

Seed pods. Photo: JMK CC BY-SA 4.0

Foliage and flower. Photo: Derek Boddington © 2003

Foliage and flower. Photo: Derek Boddington © 2003