Whitewood, Western Whitewood, Cattle Bush
Atalaya hemiglauca
Family: Sapindaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 4-6 m high. The bark is grey and rough. The leaves are compound. There are 1-3 pairs of long leaflets. The leaflets are opposite. These are 6-15 cm long by 0.5-2 cm wide. They narrow to the base. The flowers are white and hairy. They are 0.8-1 cm across. The fruit is hairy. It has 2-3 lobes. Each lobe is 3-4.5 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. There are prominent wings.
There are 11 Atalaya species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in savannah woodland in dry regions. It is very hardy and drought resistant. It is common on clay soils. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
CAUTION: Reportedly poisonous. Young sucker growth and fruit are poisonous to animals. The fruit are recorded as being eaten raw.
Edible parts
Aril, grubs, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seed. They can also be grown from suckers.
Plants are slow growing.