Doryphora sassafras
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Magnoliids
Order: Laurales
Family: Atherospermataceae
Genus: Doryphora
Species:
D. sassafras
Binomial name
Doryphora sassafras

Doryphora sassafras, commonly known as sassafras, yellow-, canary- or golden sassafras, or golden deal, is a species of evergreen tree of the Southern Sassafras Family Atherospermataceae native to the subtropical and temperate rainforests of eastern New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It is a tall tree with green foliage and contrasting white flowers which occur in Autumn and Winter.

Taxonomy

Doryphora sassafras was first described by Austrian naturalist Stephan Endlicher in 1837.[1] Its generic name is derived from the Ancient Greek dory- "spear" and pherein "to carry", and refers to the anthers in the flower, while its specific epithet is taken from its similar odour to the North American Laurel (Sassafras albidum).[2] It is a member of the small Southern Sasafrass family (Atherospermataceae) along with several other Australian and Patagonian rainforest trees including southern sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum). Common names include Canary Sassafras, Yellow Sassafras, Golden Sassafras, Golden Deal or simply Sassafras.[1]

Description

Doryphora sassafras can grow to a height of 25–35 m (80–110 ft).[3] It is a straight-trunked tree generally with a small crown, its grey-brown trunk reaching a diameter of 1.2 m (4 ft). Oppositely arranged on the stem, the green leaves are elliptic to lanceolate or ovate, usually 7–10 cm (3–4 in) long, 2–4 cm wide, margins are shallowly to deeply toothed, glabrous and glossy, with a pleasant 'sassafras' scent when crushed. They have a prominent midrib and veins on the paler underside. Perhaps their most noteworthy feature is their lifespan; up to twelve years for each leaf.[4] The small white flowers occur in groups of three on short axillary stalks from May to July, and are followed by dark brown hairy fruit which are ripe from February to August.[2] The flowering display can be showy with flowers massed on branches. contrasting against the darker foliage.[5]

Distribution and habitat

The distribution is from Nambour in southern Queensland through eastern New South Wales to Wolumla Peak in Yurammie State Forest. It is found in temperate rainforest on basalt soils at higher elevations and sedimentary soils at lower elevations, commonly associated with Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum) and native crabapple (Schizomeria ovata).[2]

Cultivation and uses

The yellowish soft timber is used in floors, turnery, and cabinet work.[2] It is used in reforestation but generally grows too big to be used in home gardens. It has been thought to have potential as a potted specimen.[6] It has been planted in Dublin area in Ireland[7]

References

  1. 1 2 "Doryphora sassafras". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Floyd, Alexander G. (2009). Rainforest Trees of Mainland Southeastern Australia. Lismore, NSW: Terania Rainforest Publishing. pp. 87–88. ISBN 978-0-9589436-7-3.
  3. ↑ Floyd, Alexander G. 1990: Australian Rainforests in New South Wales, Volume 1. Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Ltd, Chipping Norton, NSW.
  4. ↑ Lowman, Marguerite (1992). "Leaf Growth Dynamics and Herbivory in 5 species of Aust. Rainforest Trees". Journal of Ecology. 80: 433.
  5. ↑ Fairley, A.; Moore, P. (2000). Native Plants of the Sydney District: An Identification Guide (2nd ed.). Kenthurst, NSW: Kangaroo Press. p. 53. ISBN 0-7318-1031-7.
  6. ↑ Elliot, Rodger W.; Jones, David L.; Blake, Trevor (1989). Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Cultivation: Vol. 3. Port Melbourne: Lothian Press. p. 331. ISBN 0-85091-167-2.
  7. ↑ "Climatic zone plants". Earlscliffe. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
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