Ehretia saligna var. membranifolia (R.Br.) Randell

Randell, B.R. (1993) Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens 15(2): 93-94.

Peach Bush

Blaze darkens markedly on exposure.

Leaf blades about 3-10 x 0.5-3 cm, usually more than 4 times as long as broad, bases oblique. Petiole slender, grooved on the upper surface. Lateral veins about 8-20 on each side of the midrib. Midrib slightly raised on the upper surface. Domatia are conspicuous tufts of hair. Fine oak grain in the twigs.

Styles less than 1 mm long with two short branches, each about 0.1 mm long, at the apex. Stigmas small, terminal on each branch.

Fruits globular, about 2-3.5 mm long.

Cotyledons ovate, 5-6 mm long, hairy on the upper surface. At the tenth leaf stage: leaves lanceolate, apex acute, base cuneate or rounded; leaves hairy on the underside at least along midrib and main lateral veins; stem clothed in pale hairs. Seed germination time 14 to 22 days.

Endemic to Australia, occurs in NT, CYP, NEQ, CEQ and southwards to north-eastern New South Wales. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 900 m. A tree of monsoon forests and drier scrubs.