Pennantia cunninghamii
Pennantiaceae
Common
This small to medium-sized tree may be recognised by its large, alternate, shinygreen leaves, up to 15 cm by 10 cm, often with wavy edges. Branchlets form a zig-zag pattern and small bumps are present at the base of the lateral veins on the upper side of the leaf, expressed on the underside by small pits (domatia).
Dense clusters of small, white flowers appear in summer followed by shiny, black, eggshaped fruit, 1 cm long, containing one seed. The fruit ripens in midsummer.
Several young Brown Beech can be seen in Robertson Nature Reserve and other rainforest patches, but large, old trees are uncommon.
DISTRIBUTION:
Clyde Mountain, NSW to northern QLD
