This is a deciduous tree, growing up to 20 metres high. It has 5-lobed leaves, up to 18 cm long. It flowers in summer, when tree is almost leafless. Flowers are pink to red, 6 cm long, with no petals, but sepals are petaloid and coloured, and pubescent on the outside.

Branches, without leaves, flowering, almost.
Bunya Mountains, Queensland, 9th January 1992

It grows in rainforest in the north east of New South Wales and in Queensland.

Fallen flowers on the road.
Bunya Mountains, Queensland, 9th January 1992

The foliage is food for some Caterpillars, for example :

Common Aeroplane ( Phaedyma shepherdi, NYMPHALIDAE )

Link to FAQs about Caterpillars

Australian butterflies Australian caterpillars Australian moths

Link to Flowers in Australia

(updated 28 December2009)