golden Guinea tree, red beech

Description:

The genus Dillenia contains about 60 species in Asia, of which one, Dillenia alata, reaches tropical Australia. Range: coastal rainforests of the Northern Territory and Queensland, New Guinea north to Malaysia. This is a small tree usually about 6 to 10 metres high, although sometimes smaller. The flowers are bright yellow and 6-9 cm in diameter. The open fruit reveals bright red valves and black seeds.

Habitat:

Spotted in a thin band of disturbed coastal zone forest (within a small remnant of mixed sago (Metroxylon sagu) and freshwater swamp forest) behind ocean beach.

Notes:

Does not appear to be rare in the general area (spotted in same disturbed zone 15 km west). Another useful reference link is found here http://wildwings.com.au/2009/05/10/dille...