Queensland almond, Karanda nut, Johnson River almond, Ebony Heart, Kuranda quandong, Grey nut
Elaeocarpus bancroftii
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
What it is like
A medium sized to tall tree. It grows 15-30 m tall and spreads 8-15 m across. The bark is dark grey and scaly. Young shoots are covered with fine silky hairs. The leaves are oblong to sword shaped and 7-15 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are dark green and glossy on top and paler underneath. The edges of the leaf are entire. The flower racemes are 4-8 cm long with flowers 1.5 cm long. These flower arrangements grow in the leafless part of the stem. The flowers are white and bell shaped. The edges of the flower petals have lobes. The fruit is 2.5-3.5 cm across and rounded. They are greenish black. The kernel of the fruit is edible. The shell around the kernel is very hard.
There are about 360 Elaeocarpus species mostly in the tropics.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It is native to NE Australia. It grows in tropical rainforests. It grows between sea level and 1100 m altitude. It requires well drained soil and plenty of moisture. It is sensitive to drought and frost. In Adelaide Botanical Gardens hot house.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea
How it is used for food
The kernel of the nut is eaten raw.
The nut is enjoyed.
Edible parts
Seeds kernel, nuts
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. They can be grown from cuttings.
Seedlings grow quickly. In Australia flowering occurs from March to June and fruit are mature in July to October.