Smooth Helicia, Pale Oak, Leather Oak, Brown Oak
Helicia glabriflora

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 8-10 m high by 5-7 m wide. The crown is round and bushy. The small branches have rusty hairs. Young growth is bright green and shiny. The leaves are 5-16 cm long by 1.5-4.5 cm wide. They are oblong or sword shaped. They are stiff and dark green above but paler underneath. The flowers stalks are 4-10 cm long and in the axils of leaves. They are densely packed with flowers. The flowers are 1.2 cm long and pink or cream. The fruit is 1.2-1.5 cm long by 1-1.2 cm wide. It is oval and dark blue. It contains a single large seed.

There are about 90 Helicia species mostly in SE Asia with some in N Australia.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in a narrow coastal strip. It is a rainforest tree which grows from sea level to 1000 m altitude. They need protection from hot sun and drying winds. It can tolerate heavy frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The succulent part of the fruit is eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Plants are slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Helicia conjunctiflora F. Muell.; Helicia subrhombifolia Domin.;