Hernandia albiflora (C.T.White) Kubitzki

Hernandiaceae

Kubitzki, K. (1969) Botanische Jahrbucher 89 89: 126.

A small tree seldom exceeding 20 cm dbh. White or cream granular stripes in the outer blaze.

Leaf blades about 11-16 x 3-5.5 cm. Midrib raised on the upper surface. Lateral veins form loops inside the blade margin. Oil dots readily visible with a lens.

Perianth about 2-3 mm long, outer surface +/- glabrous. Anther valves opening like doors, i.e. on vertical hinges. Ovary in the female flowers enclosed in a truncate involucre. Stigma horseshoe-shaped.

Fruits ellipsoid to almost cylindrical, about 18-32 x 12-14 mm. Testa ribbed.

Usually 4-6 cataphylls produced before the first pair of true leaves. First pair of true leaves lanceolate to ovate or elliptic, apex acuminate, midrib raised on the upper surface. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade elliptic to ovate, apex acuminate, base cuneate, upper surface glabrous, midrib raised on the upper surface; petiole glabrous, often pink. Lateral veins forming loops inside the blade margin. Stem longitudinally ribbed. Roots pinkish. Seed germination time 40 to 174 days.

Endemic to NEQ, restricted to the area between Rossville and Tully. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 450 m. Grows as an understory tree in well developed lowland rain forest.

Valvanthera albiflora C.T.White, Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland 47: 76(1936), Type: Queensland,Daintree River, 29 Nov.1929, S.F. Kajewski, No. 1407. Holo: BRI, Iso: US.