Rainforest Tree of the Month (December) – Glochidion hylandii

 Around the world there are up to 300 species of Glochidion.  In the rainforests of tropical Queensland there are 12 with Glochidion hylandii being the one most usually seen in and around Paluma.  It is commonly known as Hyland’s Buttonwood and Pinflower Tree, which can be quite confusing as several other species, very similar in appearance, are also popularly named Pinflower, Buttonwood and Cheese Tree, the last presumably because the fruit is reminiscent of a round cheese.

Glochidion hylandii is a shrub or small tree growing to a height of up to 12 metres, usually to be found on the edges of rainforests or in revegetation areas as a pioneer tree.  The leaves are simple, elliptic and between 30 and 150 mm long with clearly defined veins. Upper surfaces are smooth, or sparsely covered with fine hair while the undersurface is slightly waxy with fine brown hairs.  Flowers, growing in the leaf axils are inconspicuous, being only 2 or 3 mm with 6 green sepals and no petals.

The fruit, about 12 to 15 mm x 8 to 10 mm, is a notable identifying feature of this tree.  Nestling in the leaf axils, the pink and pale green fruit is more reminiscent of a padded cushion than a round cheese.  It is actually a 5 or 6 valved capsule, containing white or cream seeds enclosed in a red or orange aril (fleshy membrane).  Fruiting can occur at any time of year.

Wompoo Fruit-doves eat the fruit of Glochidion hylandii while other species of Glochidion attract a variety of birds such as Double-eyed Fig-parrots, Victoria’s Riflebirds, Silvereyes, Riflebirds and Lewin’s Honey-eaters.

Take a walk around Paluma.  You will see many of these small trees, particularly among the vegetation on the road verges at either end of the village and along the Loop Road.

Article & Photos by Colwyn Campbell