Polyscias nodosa (Blume) Seem.

Seemann, B.C. (1865) Journal of Botany 3: 181.

Usually a single-stemmed tree, without branches. Lenticels tend to be arranged in vertical lines. Brown stripes in the inner blaze.

Leaf bearing twigs stout. Compound leaf rhachis swollen at the point of attachment of each pair of leaflets. Stipels produced on the upper surface of the compound leaf rhachis at this point also. Leaflet blades about 14-24 x 5.5-9 cm. Midrib raised on the upper surface of each leaflet.

Inflorescence large. Individual flowers sessile or very shortly pedicellate. Calyx lobes very small and inconspicuous. Petals about 2 mm long, marked by a relatively large and conspicuous raised midrib on the adaxial surface; apex of the ovary flat or slightly domed. Styles five.

Fruits +/- globular, about 7 mm diam. Stigma persistent, resembling a miniature 5-armed starfish, appressed to the apex of the fruit within a tonsure-like marking.

Cotyledons ovate, about 6 x 4 mm. First pair of leaves with fine pointed teeth. At the tenth leaf stage: leaflets ovate, apex apiculate, unequal-sided at the base, a few spine-like hairs along the midrib on the upper surface of the leaflet blade and around the margins of the crenate leaflet blade, teeth inconspicuous. Seed germination time 40 days.

Occurs in CYP, NEQ and CEQ. A rare species known only from a few collections at Iron Range, Hutchinson Creek, Kuranda Range, Edmonton, Mission Beach and Conway. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 300 m. Grows in gaps in well developed lowland rain forest. Also occurs in the Solomon Islands and Malesia.

This species is used medicinally against purpuric fever and to delay pregnancy (Mindanas).

The leaves are used to stupefy fish. Philipson (1979).