Hernandia bivalvis Benth.

Tree to 12 m high; stems minutely pubescent. Leaves with petiole 1.5–7 cm long; lamina ovate or oblong-ovate, bluntly acuminate, 3–11 cm long, 1.5–6 cm wide, chartaceous, 3-veined at base with pilose domatia, glabrous above, minutely pubescent beneath on major nerves. Panicle to 13 cm long, minutely pubescent; peduncle 1.5–9 cm long. Involucral bracts elliptic to obovate, 6–9 mm long, white. Perianth segments 8, narrowly ovate, 5–7 mm long, white. Male flowers: pedicels 1–3 mm long; stamens 4. Female flowers: sessile, subtended by 2 bracteoles c. 2 mm long; ovary c. 2 mm long; style sigmoid. Fruit ovoid, 15–20 mm long, black; fruiting bracteoles ovate, 4–7 cm long, fleshy, red. See also Cooper & Cooper (2004: 229), Zich et al. (2020).

It suits subtropical regions. It is rare and grows in rainforests near Brisbane, Australia. It needs well drained soil. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens.

The soft wood was used for brake linings for horse-drawn vehicles. Use of the oily seed to provide a substitute for grease has been reported.

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.