''Akania'' is a

monotypic In biology, a monotypic taxon is a taxonomic group (taxon) that contains only one immediately subordinate taxon. A monotypic species is one that does not include subspecies or smaller, infraspecific taxa. In the case of genera, the term "unispec ...

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...

in the family

Akaniaceae The Akaniaceae or turnipwood family are a family of flowering plants in the order Brassicales. It comprises two genera of trees, '' Akania'' and ''Bretschneidera'', each with a single species. These plants are native to China, Vietnam, Taiwan, an ...

. The single species, ''Akania bidwillii'' (turnipwood), is a tree that is native to subtropical and warm-temperate coastal

rainforest Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforest can be classified as tropical rainforest or temperate rainfores ...

s in

New South Wales ) , nickname = , image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates: , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , es ...

and

Queensland ) , nickname = Sunshine State , image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , established_ ...

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...

. It is known locally as Turnipwood because when it is cut down it gives off a bit of a foul odour similar to

turnip The turnip or white turnip (''Brassica rapa'' subsp. ''rapa'') is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, fleshy taproot. The word ''turnip'' is a compound of ''turn'' as in turned/rounded on a lathe and ' ...

s. It blooms with white or pink, fragrant flowers in the spring, and the fruit is a dull-red round capsule that dries down and releases 1-2 seeds. Panicles usually 8–15 cm long; pedicels 5–20 mm long. Calyx 3–4 mm long. Corolla 8–12 mm long.

References

Akaniaceae Flora of New South Wales Flora of Queensland Rosids of Australia Plants described in 1860 Taxa named by Joseph Dalton Hooker {{Australia-rosid-stub