Tree identification manual - North East Downs Landcare Group

Crows ash, teak
Botanical name
Flindersia australis
Areas
3,4 & 5
Usual flowering time
Spring
Distribution
Rainforest areas throughout the district, preferring higher fertility sites.
Description
Height: Tree up to 30m. Straight trunked in forest situations, but a much branched tree in open areas.
Bark: Grey to brown coloured bark which is shed in distinctive oval shaped flakes leaving depressions.
Leaves: Compound leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets which are glossy and light green. Leaves may be crowded at
ends of the branchlets.
Inflorescence: Tiny white flowers in dense bunches at ends of branches.
Fruit: A woody, spiky spherical capsule which opens into five boat shaped valves remaining united at the
base. Each valve contains two winged seeds about 3 cm long.
Distinctive features
Crows Ash is characterised by its uniquely shaped fruit, light green dense canopy and scaly nature of the
bark.
Vegetation community
Found primarily in scrub areas where rainfall is above 50Omm per annum. Individuals may also be found in
open forest near scrub areas.
Associated soils
Well drained scrub soils with moderate to high fertility.
Local example
Good specimens of crows ash can be found around Haden and scrub soil areas in northern parts of the
district.
NOTES: It is an excellent shade tree and is sought after for sawn timber which is used for flooring.
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