About Rhodamnia rubescens (Benth.) Miq.
Rhodamnia rubescens (Benth.) Miq. is a small to medium tree that can reach a maximum height of 25 metres (82 ft) and a maximum trunk diameter of 75 centimetres (30 in). Its bark is reddish brown, brittle, scaly and stringy in texture, similar to that of its close relative Syncarpia glomulifera, commonly known as the turpentine tree. The base of the trunk is channelled, fluted, or somewhat buttressed. Leaves grow in opposite pairs, are simple with smooth non-toothed edges, pointed, elliptical in shape, and measure 5 to 10 centimetres (2.0 to 3.9 in) long. Leaves are distinctly triple-veined, with one central vein and two curved veins that follow closely to the leaf’s outline, and net venation is visible on both leaf surfaces. The underside of leaves is covered in fine downy hairs, and has a greyish colour. Transparent oil dots can be seen on leaves when viewed with a hand lens. The tree's small branches are scaly and bear the same reddish bark as the trunk; new shoots are covered in tiny hairs. Small, fragrant white flowers grow in panicled cymes between August and October. The fruit is a small berry that starts red and matures to a shiny black between October and December. Berries reach up to 6 millimetres (0.24 in) in diameter. The fruit is eaten by a range of bird species, including the brown cuckoo dove, figbird, green catbird and rainbow lorikeet. Removing the seed from the fleshy aril is recommended to help germination, and regeneration via cuttings is possible.
