Harpullia leptococca

Description

Harpullia is a genus of about 27 species known to science, of small to medium-sized rainforest trees, constituting part of the plant family Sapindaceae. They have a wide distribution ranging from India eastwards through Malesia, Papuasia and Australasia to the Pacific Islands. They grow naturally usually in or on the margins of rainforests or associated vegetation. The major centre of diversity, of about twenty species, occurs throughout New Guinea including its surrounding islands and region. Australia harbours another centre of smaller diversity, of about eight species, growing naturally from north-eastern New South Wales through eastern Queensland to Cape York Peninsula and coastal Northern Territory. Of the eight Harpullia species which grow naturally Australia six occur only (endemic) in Australia. They have the common name tulipwoods and were prized for their dark coloured timber. The one most commonly known to Australian horticulture is Harpullia pendula which is widely planted as a street tree along the east coast. H. frutescens is a small shrub with horticultural potential.