Canary Beech
Polyalthia nitidissima

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 8-15 m high and spreads 5-10 m wide. It has a bushy habit. The bark is grey or black. It is flaky. The small branches are wrinkled and young growth is hairy. The leaves are 5-11 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. They are bright green. They are shiny above and paler and dull underneath. The flowers are 1.8 cm across and yellow. The occur in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are in clusters of 3-8. They are 0.8-1 cm long and yellow, orange or red. They are on stalks 0.6 cm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal rainforests. It needs moist well drained soils. It can tolerate light frost. It grows from sea level to 800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), New Caledonia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed.

Its other names

Local names

China pine, Shiny leaf tree

Synonyms

Unona fulgens Labill.; Unona nitens F. Muell.; Unona nitidissima Dunal;