Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants - Online edition
Helicia grayi Foreman
Foreman, D.B. (1984) Brunonia 6(2): 64. Type: State Forest Reserve 143, Leichhardt Logging area, Mt Lewis, Queensland, B. Gray 178, 11.viii.1976 (holotypus QRS).
Gray's Silky Oak; Oak, Gray's Silky
Seldom exceeding 30 cm dbh. Oak grain in the wood and a corresponding pattern (often reddish stripes) in the inner blaze.
Cotyledons thick and fleshy, without venation. First pair of leaves ovate, margins serrate, glabrous on the upper surface. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade obovate, apex acuminate, base cuneate to attenuate, margin irregularly dentate to serrate, glabrous on the upper surface or with a few hairs along the midrib, midrib flush with or slightly raised on the upper surface of the leaf blade. Seed germination time 17 to 62 days.
Endemic to NEQ, known only from a few localities, Mt Finnigan, Thornton Peak and Mt Lewis. Altitudinal range from 400-1200 m. Grows as an understory tree in upland and mountain rain forest.