Desert poplar, Bell-fruit, Native Poplar, Bell Fruit Tree, Horseradish Tree
Codonocarpus cotinifolius

Family: Gyrostemonaceae

What it is like

A medium sized shrub or small tree. It grows 3-12 m high and spreads 1.5-4 m wide. The bark is smooth and pink. The leaves are 2-5 cm long and broadly sword shaped. Male and female trees are separate. The flowers occur in flowering stalks in the axils of leave near the ends of branches. The fruit are bell shaped and 1 cm long and hang down in clusters. They are lime green. Bark, leaves and twigs have a horseradish taste.

The Gyrostemonaceae are endemic to Australia. There are 3 Codonocarpus species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It needs well drained soil and full sun. It is frost and drought resistant. It suits semiarid regions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

CAUTION The plant is probably posionous. The sappy roots are eaten.

Edible parts

Grubs, roots

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Plants can be transplanted easily. They can also be pruned.

It grows very quickly. It has a life span of about 10-15 years.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gyrostemon cotinifolius Desf.;