Athertonia

Last updated

Athertonia
AthertoniaRBG.JPG
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Subfamily: Grevilleoideae
Tribe: Macadamieae
Subtribe: Virotiinae
Genus: Athertonia
L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs [3] [4]
Species:
A. diversifolia
Binomial name
Athertonia diversifolia
(C.T.White) L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs [3] [4]

Athertonia is a monotypic genus of plants in the family Proteaceae. The sole described species is Athertonia diversifolia, commonly known as Atherton oak, athertonia, creamy silky oak or white oak. It is endemic to a small part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia. A relative of the macadamia, it has potential in horticulture and the bushfood industry.

Contents

Description

Athertonia diversifolia is a tree growing up to 30 m (98 ft) tall, the trunk may be fluted and may be buttressed. [5] [6] New shoots and young branches are densely covered in fine rust-coloured hairs. [5] [7] The leaf morphology is highly variable − from a simple elliptic shape to deeply lobed, and they may be with or without finely toothed margins. [5] [6] [7] The overall leaf size also varies considerably, from 7 by 4.5 cm (2.8 by 1.8 in) up to 27 by 13 cm (10.6 by 5.1 in). [5] [6] [7] The petiole measures between 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) long. [7]

The inflorescence is a pendulous raceme up to 34 cm (13 in) long, produced terminally, in the leaf axils, and on the branches. [6] [7] The fragrant flowers are cream to green with 4 tepals, and measure up to 2.3 cm (0.91 in) long. [5] [6] [7]

The fruit is green while developing − at maturity it is a blue (or occasionally rose coloured) lens-shaped drupe measuring around 4 cm (1.6 in) long, 3.5 cm (1.4 in) wide and 2.4 cm (0.94 in) thick. The hard, pitted endocarp contains a single seed. [5] [7]

Phenology

Flowering occurs from February to June, and fruit ripen around August to January. [6] [7]

Taxonomy

Athertonia diversifolia was first described in 1918 as Helicia diversifolia by the Queensland Government botanist Cyril Tenison White in his paper Contribution to the Queensland FLora, published in the journal Botany Bulletin. [8] Decades later, in 1955, the Dutch botanist Hermann Otto Sleumer placed it in the genus Hicksbeachia , [9] where it stayed until 1975 when Lawrie Johnson and Barbara Briggs revised the description and created a new genus, Athertonia, for this plant. [7]

Etymology

The genus name is a reference to the Atherton Tablelands, where the type specimen was collected. [5] [8] The species epithet is derived from the Latin words diverto (to differ), and folia (leaf), and refers to the varied leaf morphology it displays. [6]

Vernacular names

The common names "Atherton oak", "silky oak" and "white oak" are given to this species as a reference to the similarity of its leaves to those of the unrelated English oak (Quercus robur).

Distribution and habitat

Athertonia diversifolia is found in north Queensland from the Cape Tribulation area south to the Atherton Tablelands west of Mount Bartle Frere. [10] It grows in rainforest, generally on deep soils of volcanic origin. [11] The altitudinal range is mostly from around 700 to 1,150 m (2,300 to 3,770 ft), [7] but confirmed observations have been made in lowland forest at just 10 m (33 ft) above sea level in the Cow Bay area. [12] [13]

Ecology

The kernel contained within the hard endocarp of this species is edible to humans, [5] [11] [14] [15] and is also much sought after by native rats, which often gnaw through the hard shell and eat the kernel while it is still attached to the tree. [5] The flowers attract a variety of nectar-eating birds. [11]

Conservation

Much of the original habitat of the Atherton oak has been cleared, and what is left is highly fragmented. [16] [17] Despite this the species has been given the classification of least concern, by both the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science (DES), [1] and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). [2] Whilst the DES does not publish its procedure or qualification details, the IUCN's assessment states that the population of this species is "locally common and stable", and that the "area, extent and/or quality" of its habitat is not declining. [2]

Uses

The Atherton oak has become widely cultivated, [5] due to its attractive, glossy, lobed foliage, and its low maintenance. [11]

Related Research Articles

<i>Agathis robusta</i> Species of conifer in the family Araucariaceae

Agathis robusta, commonly known as kauri pine, Queensland kauri (pine), Australian kauri (pine) or smooth-barked kauri, is a coniferous tree in the family Araucariaceae. Although sometimes called a pine it is not a true pine, having leaves rather than needles. It has a disjunct distribution, occurring in Papua New Guinea and Queensland, Australia. Populations in Papua New Guinea may be treated as the distinct species Agathis spathulata.

<i>Floydia</i> Monotypic genus in the plant family Proteaceae

Floydia is a monotypic genus of plants in the macadamia family Proteaceae which is endemic to Australia. The sole described species is Floydia praealta, commonly known as the ball nut. It is a somewhat rare tree found only growing in the rainforests of southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. The tree has a superficial resemblance to the closely related Macadamia and could be confused with them. The fruit of F. praealta is poisonous.

<i>Agathis atropurpurea</i> Species of conifer in the family Araucariaceae endemic to Queensland, Australia

Agathis atropurpurea, commonly known as the blue kauri, and occasionally as the black kauri or purple kauri, is a species of conifer in the very ancient plant family Araucariaceae. The family was distributed almost worldwide during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, but is now mostly confined to the Southern Hemisphere. This species is endemic to a small part of northeastern Queensland, Australia.

<i>Archontophoenix maxima</i> Species of palm

Archontophoenix maxima, the Walsh River palm, is the largest species of the genus Archontophoenix. It is endemic to Queensland, Australia. This robust palm grows in rainforest at altitudes between 800 and 1,200 m on the Walsh River and the adjacent Mount Haig Range in the Atherton Tablelands at approximately 17° South latitude.

<i>Cardwellia</i> Monotypic genus of plants in the family Proteaceae

Cardwellia is a monotypic genus in the plant family Proteaceae. The sole described species is Cardwellia sublimis − commonly known as northern silky oak, bull oak or lacewood − which is endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia.

<i>Elaeocarpus bancroftii</i> Species tree in the family Elaeocarpaceae endemic to Queensland, Australia

Elaeocarpus bancroftii, commonly known as Kuranda quandong, Johnstone River almond, ebony heart, grey nut, or nut tree is a large rainforest tree in the family Elaeocarpaceae which is endemic to Queensland. It has coriaceous leaves, attractive white flowers and relatively large fruit containing an edible kernel.

<i>Atractocarpus fitzalanii</i> Species of plant in the family Rubiaceae

Atractocarpus fitzalanii, commonly known as the brown gardenia or yellow mangosteen, is a species of plant in the coffee and madder family Rubiaceae. It is found in coastal parts of tropical Queensland, Australia. The beautifully scented flowers and glossy foliage has seen this plant enter cultivation in gardens of eastern Australia.

<i>Opisthiolepis</i> Genus of plants

Opisthiolepis is a genus of a sole described species of large trees, constituting part of the plant family Proteaceae. The species Opisthiolepis heterophylla most commonly has the names of blush silky oak, pink silky oak, brown silky oak and drunk rabbit.

<i>Carnarvonia araliifolia</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae

Carnarvonia araliifolia, commonly known as the red oak, red silky oak, Caledonian oak or elephant's foot, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Carnarvonia, a member of the Proteaceae plant family. It is endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland.

<i>Dendrocnide cordifolia</i> Species of plant in the family Urticaceae

Dendrocnide cordifolia, commonly known as the stinging tree, is a plant in the nettle family Urticaceae endemic to the Atherton Tablelands, south west of Cairns, Queensland. Contact with the plant results in a painful sting, however the intensity and duration of the pain from this plant is extreme.

<i>Xanthophyllum octandrum</i> Species of tree in the family Polygalaceae

Xanthophyllum octandrum, commonly known as Macintyre's boxwood, false jitta, yellow boxwood or sovereignwood, is a slow-growing tree in the milkwort family Polygalaceae which has the potential to reach thousands of years of age. It is endemic to coastal northeastern Queensland, Australia.

<i>Selaginella longipinna</i> Species of plant in the family Selaginellaceae

Selaginella longipinna, commonly known as the electric fern, is a plant in the spike moss family Selaginellaceae. It is endemic to northeastern Queensland, growing in rainforest and closed forest from Cooktown to near Mission Beach, including the Atherton Tablelands. It is a terrestrial plant forming a dense cover to 40 cm (16 in) high, often near streams.

<i>Selaginella australiensis</i> Species of plant in the family Selaginellaceae

Selaginella australiensis is a plant in the spikemoss family Selaginellaceae endemic to northeastern Queensland. It grows in rainforest and closed forest from Cooktown to near Mission Beach, including the Atherton Tablelands. It is a low growing and much branched terrestrial plant inhabiting damp shady locations, typically along stream banks.

<i>Alyxia oblongata</i> Species of plant in the family Apocynaceae

Alyxia oblongata, commonly known as the chain fruit, prickly lixy, or prickly Alyxia, is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae endemic to a small part of northeastern Queensland.

<i>Pandanus gemmifer</i> Species of plant in the family Pandanaceae

Pandanus gemmifer, commonly known as pup pandan, is a plant in the family Pandanaceae that is endemic to northeast Queensland. It is closely related to Pandanus grayorum and Pandanus solms-laubachii.

<i>Pandanus solms-laubachii</i> Species of plant in the family Pandanaceae

Pandanus solms-laubachii, commonly known as the swamp pandan, is a small tree in the family Pandanaceae which occurs in northeastern Queensland and possibly in Papua New Guinea. It is closely related to both Pandanus gemmifer and Pandanus grayorum.

<i>Piper fungiforme</i> Species of plant in the family Piperaceae

Piper fungiforme is a plant in the family Piperaceae endemic to northeast Queensland, Australia.

<i>Benstonea monticola</i> Species of plant in the family Pandanaceae

Benstonea monticola, commonly known as scrub breadfruit or urchin-fruited pandan, is a plant in the family Pandanaceae which is endemic to rainforested parts of north east Queensland, Australia.

<i>Harpullia rhyticarpa</i> Species of plant in the family Sapindaceae

Harpullia rhyticarpa, commonly known as slender harpullia, is a plant in the family Sapindaceae which is endemic to the rainforests northeastern Queensland, Australia.

<i>Diploglottis diphyllostegia</i> Species of plant in the family Sapindaceae

Diploglottis diphyllostegia, commonly known as the northern tamarind, native tamarind or wild tamarind, is a tree in the lychee family Sapindaceae which is endemic to Queensland, Australia. It is an attractive tree with potential in cultivation, with a dense crown of dark green leaves and masses of fruit in spring and summer.

References

  1. 1 2 "Species profile—Athertonia diversifolia". Queensland Department of Environment and Science. Queensland Government. 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Forster, P., Ford, A., Griffith, S. & Benwell, A. (2020). "Athertonia diversifolia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T112512098A113309090. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T112512098A113309090.en . Retrieved 13 March 2023.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. 1 2 "Athertonia diversifolia". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI). Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government . Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 "Athertonia diversifolia (C.T.White) L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs". Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 F.A. Zich; B.P.M Hyland; T. Whiffen; R.A. Kerrigan (2020). "Athertonia diversifolia". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants, Edition 8. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cooper, Wendy; Cooper, William T. (June 2004). Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Clifton Hill, Victoria, Australia: Nokomis Editions. p. 406. ISBN   9780958174213.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Weston, P.H. (2020). "Athertonia diversifolia". Flora of Australia . Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Climate Change, the Environment and Water: Canberra. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  8. 1 2 "Helicia diversifolia". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI). Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government . Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  9. "Hicksbeachia diversifolia". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI). Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government . Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  10. "Search: species: Athertonia diversifolia | Occurrence records | The Australasian Virtual Herbarium". Australasian Virtual Herbarium . Australian Government . Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Athertonia diversifolia – Atherton Oak". Gardening with Angus. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  12. "Occurrence record: BRI AQ0663333". Australasian Virtual Herbarium. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  13. "Occurrence record: BRI AQ0663333". Australasian Virtual Herbarium. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  14. Mast, Austin R.; Willis, Crystal L.; Jones, Eric H.; Downs, Katherine M.; Weston, Peter H. (2008). "A smaller Macadamia from a more vagile tribe: inference of phylogenetic relationships, divergence times, and diaspore evolution in Macadamia and relatives (tribe Macadamieae; Proteaceae)". American Journal of Botany. 95 (7): 843–870. doi:10.3732/ajb.0700006. PMID   21632410 . Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  15. "Bush Tucker for North Qld". Yuruga Nursery. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  16. "Fragmentation". Wet Tropics Management Authority. Queensland Government . Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  17. Scott, Bronwen (2 April 2022). "In the living mosaic of the Atherton Tablelands, mabi forest is being restored". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 March 2023.