Grease nut, Cudgerie
Hernandia bivalvis
Family: Hernandiaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 6-12 m high and spreads 3-8 m across. The crown is compact. The bark is grey-brown with slight furrows. The young growth is bright green and shiny. The leaves are 6-15 cm long by 2.5-6.5 cm wide. They are broadly oval. The leaf stalks are slender and 2-8 cm long. The flower panicles are at the ends of branches. The flowers are separately male and female. The flowers are 2 cm across. Each female flower occurs without a stalk and with 2 male flowers on stalks on either side. The fruit are dry. They are enclosed in a fleshy cover. They are 1.5-2 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. The seed is 2 cm across and hard.
There are about 24 Hernandia species. They are tropical and grow in humid forest regions.
Where it is found
It suits subtropical regions. It is rare and grows in rainforests near Brisbane, Australia. It needs well drained soil. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.