''Niemeyera whitei'' known as the rusty plum or plum boxwood is a rare tree of eastern

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 occurs on poorer soils in areas below 600 metres above sea level. Found in gully, warm temperate or littoral

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. From the

Macleay River The Macleay River is a river that spans the Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast districts of New South Wales, Australia. Course and features Formed by the confluence of the Gara River, Salisbury Waters and Bakers Creek, the Macleay River r ...

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 ...

Tallebudgera Creek The Tallebudgera Creek is a creek located in South East Queensland, Australia. Its catchment lies within the Gold Coast local government area and covers an area of . The river is approximately in length and is known for good fishing. Course ...

in south eastern

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_ ...

Description

A small or medium-sized tree with rusty coloured leaves when viewed from below. Up to 20 metres tall and a stem diameter of 50 cm. The trunk is irregular and fluted, not cylindrical. Creamy grey bark with a corky quality, the bark is not smooth, with round peeling bark, which causes bumps and pits. Small branches thick and covered in rusty hairs. When broken, a white milky sap appears. Leaves are 5 to 15 cm long, 2 to 5 cm wide, alternate on the stem with smooth edges (no serrations). Smooth and green on top, paler below with rusty hairs. Leaf veins prominently seen under the leaf, not so evident on the top. 12 to 15 lateral veins, at about 45 to 60 degrees, angled from the midrib.

Flowers, fruit & regeneration

Creamy green flowers form in clusters from September to October. Parts of the flowers are also a rusty brown. The fruit is a berry, 2 to 7 cm in diameter. Initially red, then turning purple and black. Inside is a large spherical seed (rarely 2 seeds), 2 to 3 cm in diameter and pink edible flesh. On one side of the seed is a glossy eye shaped scar, 1 to 2.5 cm long. The seed is mostly covered with light brownish down except the scar which is glossy mid brown. Fruit matures from September to November. Regeneration takes up to 6 months. Soaking and peeling of the seed is advised for best results, usually all seeds germinate.

References

* * {{Taxonbar, from=Q7031673 whitei Flora of New South Wales Flora of Queensland Trees of Australia Vulnerable biota of Queensland Vulnerable flora of Australia Taxa named by André Aubréville