Dillenia alata

(Red Beech)

Description

This tree native to coastal area north from about Cardwell, is readily recognised by the wings on the petioles of the large leaves, and the reddish-brown papery bark which peels off in thin sheets, finer than tissue paper. The flowers up to about 7 cm across have 5 yellow petals, numerous stamens topped by numerous pinkish coloured styles. The fruits are red and the carpels open out to reveal the seeds , these are nearly covered by a white aril. Likes to grow where it has access to water.

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