Myrsine achradifolia F.Muell.

Mueller, F.J.H. von (1868) Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 6: 164. Type: Ad Rockinghams Bay; Dallachy.

Muttonwood; Rapanea

Oak grain in the wood and a corresponding dark pattern in the blaze.

Brown or reddish oil dots visible with a lens. Leaf blades elliptical to oblanceolate to obovate, about 8-22 x 3-9 cm. Midrib depressed on the upper surface. Lateral veins 18-24 on each side of the midrib. Petioles usually more than 10 mm long (10-32mm), often purplish and producing a small quantity of purple exudate when broken.

Inflorescence much shorter than the leaves, only about as long as the petioles. Pedicels short, about 3-8 mm long. Corolla tube about 1-3 mm long, corolla lobes about 2 mm long, papillose on the outer surface. Ovary about 1.5-2 x 2 mm, stigma short and capitate, papillose, obscurely lobed. Ovules 3-4.

Infructescence much shorter than the leaves, barely exceeding the petioles, pedicels about 4-8 mm long. Calyx lobes persistent at the base of the fruit. Fruits globular or ellipsoid, about 5-9 x 5-9 mm.

Cotyledons ovate, about 8-10 mm long. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade +/- elliptic, apex acute, base cuneate, marginal teeth obscure, glabrous, oil dots (or glands) dark or reddish. Seed germination time 236 to 408 days.

Endemic to NEQ. Altitudinal range from near sea level-1300 m. Grows in well developed upland and mountain rain forest.

A desirable tree with large, hairy, lobed leaves deserving of wider use. Flowers are in large conspicuous panicles and contrast with the foliage.