Maple Silkwood
Form and Size: A large tree, 25-35m high
Distribution: Rainforests of north-eastern Qld
Leaves: Opposite, pinnate, 10-30cm long; 2-10 leaflets, leathery or papery, dark green above, paler beneath, 3.5-16cm x 1.5-6.5cm
Bark: Grey, pustular
Flowers: Petals red about 0.6cm diameter; borne in terminal panicles to 30cm long
Flowering Period: November to December
Fruit: Capsules, oblong, reddish-brown, covered in pointed bumps, 5-11cm long; seeds 4-6cm long, winged at both ends
Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. A fast growing plant requiring rich soils and plenty of moisture. An excellent shade or specimen tree. The timber is very similar to F. brayleyana and is widely used for cabinet making, mouldings and veneers.