Flacourtia sp. Shiptons Flat (L.W.Jessup GJ.D3200)

Provisional HISPID phrase name.

Cape Plum; Plum, Cape

Usually encountered as a small tree less than 30 cm dbh.

Leaf blades about 8-11 x 3-5 cm. Midrib +/- flush with the upper surface. Lateral veins curved but not forming definite loops inside the blade margin. Stipules small and inconspicuous.

Perianth about 0.5 mm long. Inflorescences much shorter than the leaves, usually shorter than the petioles.

Fruits depressed globular, about 16 x 10-12 mm diam., calyx persistent at the base, style remnants persistent at the apex. Seeds 4-6, testa surface rugose.

Cotyledons orbicular or almost so, about 10-13 x 12-13 mm. First pair of leaves narrowly elliptic, margins toothed. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade ovate to elliptic, apex acute, base obtuse, margin serrate, teeth along all but the upper 1/4 of the leaf blade, glabrous, stem often zig-zagged. Stipules gland-like, difficult to discern. Seed germination time 30 to 104 days.

Probably endemic to Queensland, occurs in CYP and NEQ. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 200 m. Grows in drier rain forest subject to a pronounced dry season.