About Schizomeria ovata D.Don
Schizomeria ovata, with the scientific name Schizomeria ovata D.Don, is a medium to large Australian rainforest tree. It is widespread in warm-temperate rainforest along coastal New South Wales, in areas north from Narooma (36° S), and in southern Queensland in areas south from Fraser Island (25° S). This species can also be found in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Its common names include (Australian) white birch, crab apple, white cherry, snowberry, humbug, and squeaker. The timber of Schizomeria ovata is pale blond, and it is a commercially harvested species sold under the name Australian white birch. This timber was notably used as an interior finish in the Sydney Opera House. Plywood veneered with Schizomeria ovata was used for the ceiling, upper walls, and seating of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, as well as for wall and ceiling panelling and doors in other internal areas of the building.
