Jagera pseudorhus

Foambark, Fern Tree, Pink Tamarind

Sapindaceae
 

Form and Size: A tall shrub or small tree, 6-10m high, developing a crown on maturity.

Distribution: North-eastern Qld. to north-eastern N.S.W. and in P.N.G.

Leaves: Pinnate, to 60cm long; 8-20 leaflets, oblong to egg-shaped or oval, sickle-shaped, leathery, dark green above, paler beneath, margins coarsely toothed, 2-11.5cm x 0.5-3cm; new growth having stiff rusty hairs.

Flowers: Brownish, hairy outside, 0.4-0.6cm diameter; borne in much-branched terminal panicles 4-16cm long.

Flowering Period: April to May.

Fruit: Capsules, egg-shaped or oval, yellow, prickly brown hairs, 1.4-1.8cm x 1.2-1.5cm.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. There are two recognised varieties of this species. Adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates. It is a useful honey tree and the timber has been used for tool handles. The common name ‘Foambark’ refers to a soap-like saponin in the bark which foams in heavy rain, especially after long, dry periods.