Rusty Carabeen
Aceratium ferrugineum
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
There are 20 Aceratium species.
Where it is found
It occurs in Australia in north east Queensland at high altitudes in the rainforest. It grows between 900-1300 m altitude. It prefers a cooler climate with acid well drained soil. It needs regular watering during dry periods.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The flesh of the fruit is eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Seeds are hard to get to grow. Aerial layering can be used and the plant will naturally form aerial roots where branches join. Cuttings of the stem can be used but with difficulty.
Fruiting is August to May.