Forest maple
Forest maple is a small, bushy and shapely understorey tree to 8m tall. It has greenish flowers and, in autumn, conspicuous black egg-shaped fruit which attract native pigeons. It is hardy in most soils, but it is recommended to avoid drying the tree out when young. Preferably plant in a partly shaded position. Slow at first, it gains height fairly quickly after a couple of years in the ground.
This is another member of the well represented Laurel family, growing in coastal rainforests and wet eucalypt forests, north from the Central Coast. It can be seen readily in several bushland reserves around Port Macquarie, including along the boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park.
Distribution
Forest Maple, or Cryptocarya rigida can be found in coastal subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, especially on their margins, and in tall eucalypt forest; north from the Ourimbah area.
Landcare nursery
Forest maple is currently available to purchase at the Landcare Nursery. www.landcareportmac.com.au
