Emu tucker, Weeping Denhamia
Denhamia obscura

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

A tall shrub. It grows 5-10 m high and spreads 2-4 m wide. The bark has grey or white patches. The branches can be erect or hang down. They are slender. The leaves are 5-10 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are oblong or sword shaped. They are dull green above and pale underneath. They are leathery and the edges can be wavy. The flowers are in groups in the axils of upper leaves. The flowers are 0.6 cm across and yellow. The fruit is a capsule 2-2.5 cm long and white or yellow with bright orange seeds.

There are 7 Denhamia species. They grow in Australia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They suit tropical and subtropical locations. It grows in open forest and rocky slopes. They need a sunny position and a well drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten but are bitter.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown from root or stem cuttings.

Trees are slow growing when young but are long lived.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Denhamia leucocarpum Steud.; Denhamia xanthosperma F. Muell.; Leucocarpum obscurum A. Rich.;