Xylosma maidenii
Xylosma maidenii Sleumer
Xylosma maidenii is a small tree in the Salicaceae family, endemic to Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea. It is dioecious, with male and female trees producing small flowers from December to May. The species produces purple to black fruit directly on twigs. The wood emits a foul odor when cut.
Description
Xylosma maidenii, also known as ship tree or shitum wood, is native to the lowland forests of Lord Howe Island, Australia. It belongs to the genus Xylosma and was described by Sleumer in 1938. This species is characterized by its separate male and female trees, with flowering occurring between December and May. The resulting fruit is purple to black in color and grows directly from the twigs. The timber of this species is notable for its strong, unpleasant odor when cut.
Distribution
Norfolk Is.