Endiandra insignis

Endiandra insignis
Herbarium specimen
Least Concern
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Magnoliids
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Endiandra
Species:
E. insignis
Binomial name
Endiandra insignis
(F.M.Bailey) F.M.Bailey
Synonyms
  • Cryptocarya insignis F.M.Bailey
  • Endiandra exostemonea F.Muell.

Endiandra insignis, commonly known as hairy walnut, is a species of plant in the family Lauraceae native to Queensland, Australia. It is a rainforest tree, first described in 1892. It has a conservation status of least concern.

Description

Endiandra insignis is a tree that grows up to 25 m (82 ft) in height and 80 cm (31 in) diameter. The trunk is often buttressed on more mature trees but not on smaller ones. The leaves are generally about 16 cm (6.3 in) long and 7 cm (2.8 in) wide and have 5–9 pairs of lateral veins. They are green on both sides, but the underside has a fine covering of reddish brown hairs. The midrib is flush with the upper surface of the blade and domatia are absent.

The inflorescence is a panicle growing from the leaf axils, and often from the twigs below the leaves. Flowers are cream to green and scented; they have six tepals up to 1 mm (0.04 in) long. The fruits are a roughly spherical drupe, ranging from yellow or pink to orange-red or red. They measure up to 9 cm (3.5 in) long and 10 cm (3.9 in) wide, and they contain a single brown seed about 5.5 cm (2.2 in) long and 5 cm (2.0 in) wide, with a conspicuous knob at the apex.

Distribution

The species grows in rainforest and is widespread within coastal and sub-coastal areas of Queensland from about Rossville to Tully, at altitudes up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It grows on various soil types but has a preference for those derived from basalt.

Ecology

Fruit

Fruits of the tree are eaten by musky rat-kangaroos, cassowaries, and white-tailed rats and other native rodents.

Conservation

This species was assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2023 and found to be of least-concern. It is also listed as least-concern in the Queensland Government's WildNet database. In its statement, the IUCN cites the lack of any perceived threat to the species, as well as a wide distribution and large population, as the basis for the assessment.

Uses

The tree produces a good quality general purpose timber which is sold under the name "hairy walnut".

References

  1. 1 2 Louden, M. (2024). "Endiandra insignis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2024 e.T239639390A239639392. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T239639390A239639392.en.
  2. ↑ "Endiandra insignis (F.M.Bailey) F.M.Bailey". Australian Plant Name Index. Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 15 September 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Endiandra insignis (F.M.Bailey) F.M.Bailey". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2026. Retrieved 15 September 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Hyland, B. (1989). "A Revision of Lauraceae in Australia (excluding Cassytha)". Australian Systematic Botany. 2 (2): 234–235. doi:10.1071/SB9890135.
  5. 1 2 3 Cooper, Wendy; Cooper, William T. (June 2004). Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Clifton Hill, Victoria, Australia: Nokomis Editions. p. 258. ISBN 978-0-9581742-1-3.
  6. ↑ "Search: species: Endiandra insignis | Occurrence records". Australasian Virtual Herbarium. Australian Government. Retrieved 15 September 2026.
  7. ↑ "Endiandra insignis". WildNet. Queensland Government. 2026. Retrieved 15 September 2026.
  8. ↑ F.A.Zich; B.P.M.Hyland; T.Whiffen; R.A.Kerrigan (2020). "Endiandra insignis (F.M.Bailey) F.M.Bailey". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants Edition 8 (RFK8). Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR), Australian Government. Retrieved 15 September 2026.