Family: Meliaceae

Of these 80 species of trees, some are native to Australia and one to New Zealand. Occurring naturally in moist rainforests, they have large, shiny leaves. Sprays of white flowers are often borne on bare branches and are followed by large fruits, 3 cm (1 in) in diameter, containing large, bright red seeds. Often buttressed, they make good ornamental and shade trees in sub-tropical and tropical regions and are cultivated for their fine, reddish timber, used for decorative and cabinet work. These trees are not cultivated outside their native countries, except perhaps in botanical gardens.

Species

D. fraserianum, Australian mahogany or rosewood, grows to 40 m (130 ft) in its habitat, but is much smaller in cultivation. It has pinnate leaves, sprays of sweetly perfumed, white flowers, and round, leathery fruits, to 3 cm (1 in), containing the bright red seeds. The timber is rose-scented.

D. muelleri, red bean, is a medium to large tree in its habitat, with dark yellow bark, divided leaves, sprays of small, white flowers and round fruits with scarlet seeds. The red timber is not fragrant.

D. oppositifolium is a medium or small tree, with flaky, gray bark and pink wood. It produces sprays of white, bell-shaped flowers and oval, leathery fruits with red seeds.

D. spectabile, kohekohe or New Zealand cedar, is considered one of New Zealand's most handsome trees, well suited as an ornamental. It is a medium-sized, very decorative tree, to 15 m (50 ft), with large, shiny leaves and white flowers similar to lily-of-the-valley. It has very large, leathery fruits, opening to brilliant, scarlet seeds.

Cultivation

Dysoxylum likes a deep, moist soil and a subtropical climate. Propagate from ripened seed (the brilliant red seed covering is the outer skin of the true seed).

Climate

Zone 10.