Chionanthus sp. Little Pine L.A. (B.Hyland 2520RFK)

Provisional HISPID phrase name.

Seldom exceeding 30 cm dbh. Bark pale. Blaze odour noticeable but difficult to describe, resembling apples (Pyrus malus) or iodoform. Blaze darkening on exposure.

Leaf blades about 7-14 x 2.5-5.5 cm. Lateral veins inconspicuous, but forming loops inside the blade margin. Twig bark pale. Midrib raised on the upper surface of the leaf blade.

Calyx lobes about 0.3-0.5 mm long. Petals about 2-3 x 0.7 mm. Ovules basal, ascending, two per locule.

Fruits +/- globular to somewhat pyriform to globose, about 20-25 x 15-25 mm. Endocarp hard, longitudinally ribbed. Cotyledons cream.

Cataphylls about 3 or 4, quite small, first two alternate followed by a pair which are opposite or sub-opposite. First pair of true leaves elliptic, about 80-95 x 20-25 mm, midrib raised on the upper surface. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade obovate to narrowly elliptical, apex acuminate, base cuneate to attenuate, glabrous. Lateral veins about 10-14 on each side of the midrib more obvious on the lower surface. Small dark glands (each in a depression) visible with a lens on both the upper and lower leaf blade surfaces. Stem clothed in lenticels. Seed germination time 29 to 58 days.

Occurs in CYP and NEQ. Known only from a few collections in each area. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 1000 m. Grows in well developed lowland and upland rain forest.