Xylomelum pyriforme

Name and publication

Xylomelum pyriforme Knight, Cult. Prot. 105 (1809).

Description

Woody pear fruits are sometimes encountered in potpourri imported from Australia. The woody, gray follicles are pear-shaped, 5-9 cm long x 10-18 cm wide, splitting open when ripe to release two seeds, each with a large brown wing (samaras), 5-7 cm long x 10-18 cm wide.

Nativity and distribution

Xylomelum pyriforme is native to Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales. Fruits of Xylomelum occidentale R.Br. (from western Australia) are also used in potpourri.

Family

Proteaceae