Ceratopetalum Apetalum

This is the main tree growing in Retreat Reserve. The seedlings begin their journey as small fruit dropped into the rainforest understorey. These germinate in groups where there is the right soil and composting timber. As a tree the Coachwood can grow to 6 metres in height. However in our reserve we have specimens as tall as 15 metres. Eventually it is sad but the tree falls over through the canopy onto the forest floor below where it is composted in turn and eaten by insects, funghi and termites. The red flowers quickly bloom in the late Spring and turn a distinct yellow. The dense folliage protects and shades the forest floor from invasive weeds and non native plants.