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Bumpy Satin-ashes 
Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide
Bumpy Satin-ashes: Syzgium spp The 'Bumpy Satin-ashes' are two noticeable trees restricted to the tropical rainforests of north-east Australia. They are noticeable because they are such great examples of 'Cauliflory', with the showy, stamen rich flowers, and then the large, round, whitish fruits erupting from the trunk. Even when not flowering or fruiting, the tree's bumps are distinctive in an ecosystem where all the tree trunks look very similar. Like many other Syzgium, the fruits are rather strange, but not offensive, to taste. The Bumpy Satin-ash is a well-known tree from the tropical rainforests in the mountains and lowlands of Cape York and North-Eastern Australia. The fruits are large, round and white, often with a pinkish tinge and have a very puckering calyx. They seem more common at higher altitudes, while in the Daintree lowlands, the similar 'Daintree Satin-ash', Syzgium monospermum is more common. It is restricted mainly to the lowland tropical rainforest of the Wet Tropics between Julatten and Cape Tribulation. I t's fruits are large, white, round and less puckered than the above species. The tree appears to have a special relationship with black ants Iridomyrmex gilberti that live inside the hollow bumps from where the flowers and fruit sprout. Examples can be seen along Marrdja boardwalk.
Script: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide |
