Sterculia quadrifida (STERCULIACEAE); Peanut tree Sterculia quadrifida - foliage & fruit - Paul Donatiu © 2002 Medium tree to 18m, found in dry, riverine and littoral rainforests from Coraki, NSW to Nthn Aust and PNG. Leaves simple, alternate but often in pseudo-whorls, ovate or heart-shaped and 5-12cm long; shiny bright green on both sides with long petioles, swollen at both ends. Young leaves and stalks often hairy. Flowers inconspicuous, creamy-white and lemon-scented, from Nov to Jan. Fruit a large, eye-catching red capsule with about 8 shiny black seeds. Handsome, ornamental tree, deciduous in cooler areas. Requires good drainage. Edible raw or roasted; seeds taste similar to peanuts. Propagate from very fresh seed, which germinates easily and quickly, sometimes within 3 days. Used by aborigines in N Aust to treat wounds and stings. Sterculia quadrifida - trunk - Bruce Noble © 2002 Sterculia quadrifida - fruit - Paul Donatiu © 2002         © 2007 Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network PO Box 443 The Gap Qld 4061 Email: ask@brisrain.webcentral.com.au Privacy and disclaimer