Flindersia maculosa, commonly known as leopardwood or leopard tree,[2] is a species of tree in the family Rutaceae and is endemic to inland areas of eastern Australia. It has mottled bark, simple leaves arranged in opposite pairs, white to cream-coloured flowers and fruit studded with rough points.
Description
Flindersia maculosa is a tree that typically grows to a height of 15 m (49 ft), developing from a tangled mass of spiny branches in the juvenile stage. The trunk is mottled due to the bark shedding in patches. The leaves are simple, arranged in opposite pairs, narrow oblong to lance-shaped or linear, 10–80 mm (0.39–3.15 in) long and 2.5–10 mm (0.098–0.394 in) wide on a petiole 2–15 mm (0.079–0.591 in) long. The upper surface of the leaf is shiny and dark green, the lower side dull and paler. The flowers are arranged in panicles 10–80 mm (0.39–3.15 in) long on the ends of branchlets. The sepals are 1–1.5 mm (0.039–0.059 in) long, the petals white to cream-coloured and 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long. Flowering occurs from September to December and the fruit is a woody capsule studded with rough points and that opens into five section, releasing winged seeds about 18 mm (0.71 in) long.[2][3]
Flindersia maculosa grows on stony hills and sand plains from Hughenden in central Queensland to the Riverina district in south-western New South Wales and from Walgett to Ivanhoe and Broken Hill in that state.[2][3]
Uses
Leopardwood is a useful fodder tree in drought periods but as the tree does not recuperate well, it should only be pollarded.[7]
The wood of the tree is sometimes used to construct fence posts and pick handles.[8]
Nectar from the buds and gum from the bark have been used to make a sweet drink.[9] The drink from the gum has been used as a remedy for diarrhea.[10]
^ abcPorteners, Marianne F. "Flindersia maculosa". Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
^ abHartley, Thomas G.; Wilson, Annette J.G. (ed.) (2013). Flora of Australia (Volume 26). Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Study. pp. 70–71. Retrieved 17 July 2020. {{cite book}}: |first2= has generic name (help)
