Aceratium ferrugineum C.T.White

A small tree. It grows up to 10-18 m tall and spreads 3-5 m across. The branches are covered with rusty coloured hairs. The leaves are 6-16 cm long by 4-5 cm across. They are oval and dark green and smooth on top but covered with rusty hairs underneath. The flowers are 2-3 cm across and bell shaped. They are bright pink. The petals have teeth along the edge. Flowers occur in clusters near the ends of branches. The fruit is egg shaped and about 3-4 cm long by 2 cm across. The outer surface of the fruit is hairy. It has a woody layer around the seed. There is one seed. The fruit is red. The cut flesh of the fruit can smell like watermelon. It is an attractive rainforest species.

It occurs in Australia in north east Queensland at high altitudes in the rainforest. It grows between 900-1300 m altitude. It prefers a cooler climate with acid well drained soil. It needs regular watering during dry periods.

The flesh of the fruit is eaten.

Seeds are hard to get to grow. Aerial layering can be used and the plant will naturally form aerial roots where branches join. Cuttings of the stem can be used but with difficulty.