– Description:
– Elaeocarpus bancroftii is a large tree that can grow up to 30m in height and up to 60cm DBH.
– The leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate with entire to crenate margins.
– Inflorescences are axillary or ramiflorous umbels with less than 10 individual flowers.
– Flowers are tetramerous with creamy yellow sepals and white petals with 3 rounded lobes.
– The fruit is a large, dull grey or blue/green, globular drupe about 4cm in diameter with a hard stone containing a solitary seed.
– Taxonomy:
– Elaeocarpus bancroftii was described in 1886 by Ferdinand von Mueller based on specimens collected by Thomas Lane Bancroft.
– Etymology:
– The genus name Elaeocarpus comes from Greek words meaning olive and fruit, referring to fruit similarity.
– The species epithet honors the collector of the plant specimens.
– Distribution and habitat:
– Endemic to north-eastern Queensland, Elaeocarpus bancroftii grows in well-developed rainforests.
– Its range extends from near Cooktown to Tully at elevations up to around 1,200m.
– Found in most parts of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area.
– Ecology:
– Fruits are eaten by cassowaries and Spectacled flying foxes, aiding in seed dispersal.
– Native rats, like the giant white-tailed rat, consume the seeds by gnawing through the hard endocarp.
– Conservation status:
– Elaeocarpus bancroftii is classified as least concern by both the Queensland Government and the IUCN.