Marukgal, Mulyurruny, Ironwood, Camel poison, Cooktown Ironwood, Northern Ironwood
Erythrophleum chlorostachys

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A medium sized spreading tree. It grows 8-15 m high and spreads 3-8 m wide. The bark is dark grey and with a chequered pattern. The leaves are large and twice divided. They are 15-30 cm long with 2-3 opposite pairs of segments. Each of these have 5-8 leaflets. The leaflets are oval and 3.5-6.5 cm long by 2.5-6 cm wide. The flowering stalks are 2.5-7.5 cm long and at the ends of branches. The flowers are 0.6 cm long. They are green or pale yellow. They are crowded on the stalks. The fruit are pods 10-15 cm long by 2.5-4 cm wide. They are dark brown to black. They are brittle. The seeds are dark brown. There are 3-6 seeds per pod.

There are about 17 Erythrophleum species. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in open country. It is usually on sandy soils. Trees shed their leaves during dry periods. Plants can tolerate coastal exposure. They need a sunny position and well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Poisonous. The gum is sometimes mixed with food as a poison. It should not be eaten.

Edible parts

Gum, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need treatment before they will grow. Suckers and root cuttings can also be used.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Laboucheria chlorostachys F. Muell.; Erythrophleum laboucherii; Erythrophleum chlorostachyum;