Alstonia actinophylla

Alstonia actinophylla, commonly known as northern milkwood, cape milkwood, cape cheesewood or white cheesewood, is a medium-sized species of tree in the dogbane family. It is native to northern Australia and New Guinea.

Alstonia actinophylla
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Alstonia
Species:
A. actinophylla
Binomial name
Alstonia actinophylla
Synonyms
  • Alyxia actinophylla A.Cunn.
  • Alstonia verticillosa F.Muell.

Description

The species grows as a tree to 3โ€“25 m in height.[1] The greenish-white 1 cm flowers occur in bunches at the ends of the branches, with flowering occurring mainly from August to October. The shiny green leaves occur in clusters on the outer branches; they are 5โ€“10 cm long and 2โ€“4 cm wide. The stringy 15 cm long fruits are paired pods containing hairy black seeds.[2]

Distribution and habitat

As well as in southern New Guinea, the species is found across tropical northern Australia in dry woodland habitats, rocky country, on the banks of watercourses and on the fringes of rainforest.[2][1]

References

  1. "Alstonia actinophylla". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  2. Clark, Mike; Traynor, Stuart; Dunlop, Adi (1987). Plants of the Tropical Woodland. Darwin: Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory. p. 20. ISBN 0-7245-0663-2.
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