Moreton Bay Chestnut (coppice)

Description:

Castanospermum australe, commonly known as Moreton Bay Chestnut or Blackbean, is the only species in the genus Castanospermum, a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the east coast of Australia in QLD and NSW, and to the Pacific islands of Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and the island of New Britain in PNG. The tree produces large seed pods (often more than 15 cm long and more than 4 cm diam) which are full of large green seeds (see notes for link to photos). This spotting is of two different individual trees, and both are good examples of natural coppicing. This indicates the rainforest is very old, and these could very well be 3rd generation coppice, possibly older. It's an interesting process that shows the tree is always ready to regenerate, and gives the rainforest resilience after disturbances, sometimes from storms or fires.

Habitat:

Ravensbourne National Park, along the rainforest track. Despite this country currently being in drought, this rainforest is still dense, moist and cool, and water still trickles in its creeks and gullies. Dense canopy, thus dark with very filtered light, and abundant leaf litter. Neighbouring groves of Piccabeen Palms. Elevation above 500 mtrs. https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/ravens...

Notes:

A previous spotting showing the unusual seed pods. This was at a different location - https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/72...