Foambark, Fern Tree, Pink Tamarind
Form and Size: A tall shrub or small tree, 6-10m high, developing a crown on maturity
Distribution: North-eastern Qld to north-eastern NSW and in PNG
Leaves: Pinnate, to 60cm long; 8-20 leaflets, oblong to egg-shaped or oval, sickle-shaped, leathery, dark green above, paler beneath, margins coarsely toothed, 2-11.5cm x 0.5-3cm; new growth having stiff rusty hairs
Flowers: Brownish, hairy outside, 0.4-0.6cm diameter; borne in much-branched terminal panicles 4-16cm long
Flowering Period: April to May
Fruit: Capsules, egg-shaped or oval, yellow, prickly brown hairs, 1.4-1.8cm x 1.2-1.5cm
Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. There are two recognised varieties of this species. Adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates
It is a useful honey tree and the timber has been used for tool handle
The common name ‘Foambark’ refers to a soap-like saponin in the bark which foams in heavy rain, especially after long, dry periods
