Galbulimima baccata – Pigeonberry Ash (plant)

Description

Galbulimima baccata is native to north-eastern Australia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea and can reach a height of 40m. Galbulimima is the only genus of the Himantandraceae family. A rare species with two distinct populations in Australia, the southern population in subtropical rainforest from Maleny (Conondale) to Kin Kin near Gympie, and the northern population from the Ingham district to Macilwraith Range on Cape York. Two species of Galbulimima have been defined, G. belgraveana in PNG and Indonesia and G. baccata in Australia.

Galbulimima belgraveana is used by tribes in Papua New Guinea with a Homalomena spp. to make an intoxicating tea, which leads to visionary dreams. It is also used to relieve abdominal pains. 28 alkaloids have been isolated from the bark.

The tree is also used for its timber and the plant has good ornamental potential, with dark green leaves, a coppery colour underneath and masses of highly fragrant (unusually smelling) flowers in spring.

Care and Cultivation of Galbulimima baccata

Galbulimima baccata is a slow to medium growing species that likes well drained soil in full sun to part shade. Growing at elevation, this species is tolerant of cooler conditions and there are reports of plants growing in Sydney. Like adequate soil moisture.

1 plant (SE QLD provenance)