Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa
| Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Rhodomyrtus |
| Species: | R. macrocarpa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa | |
Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa is a species of the botanical family Myrtaceae. It grows into a tree, native to north-east Australia, New Guinea and the Aru Islands,[2] and is also known as wannakai, finger cherry, or Cooktown loquat.
In Australia, botanical sources describe it as occurring naturally from coastal central Queensland to the Wet Tropics, where it extends up to 800m above sea level, and through to Cape York Peninsula. It grows in complex wet rainforests, although it is more common in drier, more seasonal kinds, and in monsoon forests.[2]
It is sometimes cultivated for its ornamental flowers and bright red fruit. However the fruit is poisonous, especially so to children,[2] and has been known to cause permanent blindness.
References[edit]
- ^ "Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa Benth". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ^ a b c F.A.Zich; B.P.M.Hyland; T.Whiffen; R.A.Kerrigan (2020). "Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants Edition 8 (RFK8). Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR), Australian Government. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- Shepherd, R.C.H. (2004). Pretty but Poisonous. Australia: R.G. and F.J. Richardson. p. 202. ISBN 0-9587439-9-1.