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Flindersia, Genus, australis, Species,
- Genus & species
crows ash
Overview
Flindersia australis is an evergreen to briefly deciduous tree growing 50-130 feet (15-40 m) tall in rainforest, and commonly 30-50 feet (9-15 m) in open or cultivated settings, with a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are pinnate, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with several glossy, lance-shaped leaflets 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long that have oil dots visible against the light. Branched panicles of small white to cream flowers open in spring. The fruit is a woody capsule 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, covered in short spines, that splits into five segments to release winged seeds. The trunk bears scaly bark that sheds in patches, leaving a mottled surface. The tree grows in dry rainforest, riverine forest, and rainforest margins on fertile soils, and is sensitive to hard frost when young.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from north-eastern Queensland through to north-eastern New South Wales. Grows in dry rainforest, riverine and gallery forest, and rainforest margins on fertile, well-drained soils, from the lowlands to lower slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade and street tree in warm-climate parks and large gardens, spaced 25-40 feet (8-12 m) from buildings and other trees. Used in rainforest regeneration and for timber in plantations. The mature size and spiny fallen capsules make it better suited to large spaces than small gardens or paved areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 130'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, from about September to November in eastern Australia. Panicles of small white to cream flowers open over several weeks. Woody spiny capsules develop over summer and can persist on the tree after releasing their seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to creamFoliage Description
Glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight