A shrub or small tree to 15 m with downwardly arching branches, Whalebone Tree grows in all types of rainforest, particularly along scrubby watercourses. Small male flowers in short spikes, female flowers solitary, September to March. Edible yellow fleshy berry ripe November to December eaten by various birds including Brown Cuckoo-dove, Green Catbird, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and the Topknot Pigeon. Propagate from fresh seed removed from the flesh. Germinates quickly and reliably, taking two weeks. Strikes from softwood cuttings.
Photo: Robert Whyte
