Family: SAPINDACEAE
These beautiful trees are showing off their seeds in the local rainforest at present.
I was sent this photo by a friend, who took it in Brisbane, but the plants can also be found locally at Goomburra, Ravensbourne, and the Bunya Mountains.
Foambark is a fast growing tree, usually reaching no more that 10m in cultivation. It has an attractive shady canopy, inconspicuous white flowers in spring, and these lovely fruits in autumn. They gleam redly as the sun catches them.
Unfortunately, the stiff little hairs on the seed capsules break off when handled, and can cause considerable skin irritation. This is something to be considered, before planting it as a garden tree. It is not suitable for a site where children might be picking up fallen capsules.
The plant’s common name comes from an Aboriginal use for it. The bark contains so much saponin that it can froth from any little injuries, in heavy rain. This means that, if thrown in water, branches and leaves de-oxygenate the water, temporarily stunning fish for easy catching.
I used to think the tree was named for the Jagera tribe of Aborigines, and thought that it was a remarkable example of white settlers honouring the original owners of the land.
Not so, however. It was named after the Dutchman who discovered the original Jagera species in Indonesia, and it is just coincidence that there is another species in the Jagera tribe's territory. Apparently Jager means Hunter, and is a relatively common Dutch surname.
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