''Siphonodon australis'', also known as ivorywood or scrub guava, is a species of plant in the

bittersweet Bittersweet, bitter-sweet, or bitter sweet may refer to: Biology * A vine in the nightshade family, ''Solanum dulcamara'' * Some species of vines in the genus ''Celastrus'', including American bittersweet (''C. scandens'') and Oriental bitters ...

family Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...

. It is native to north-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 ...

Infrataxa

* ''Siphonodon australis'' var. ''australis'' Benth. * ''Siphonodon australis'' var. ''keysii'' F.M.Bailey

Description

The species grows as a tree up to 30 m in height. The leaves are 4.5–12 cm long by 2.5–2.5 cm wide. The small white flowers grow as a 1–3 flowered inflorescence 10–20 mm long. The hard yellow fruits are about 2.5–4 cm long and contain 6–2.5 mm seeds.

Distribution and habitat

The species is found in north-eastern and 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_ ...

, extending into north-eastern

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 ...

. It occurs in drier

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 ...

and monsoon forest from sea level to an elevation of 900 m.

References

australis Endemic flora of Australia Flora of Queensland Flora of New South Wales Rosids of Australia Plants described in 1863 Taxa named by George Bentham {{Celastraceae-stub