Umbrella trees and Alexander palms are well known examples of North Queensland plants that are weedy in the Noosa shire. The Native Gardenia isn’t from this area and its weed potential isn’t so well known. Weed management teams are very aware of the spread of Native Gardenia and find it growing in bushland on a regular basis. It’s found growing, as most weeds are, in small clumps excluding native species.
Common names: Native Gardenia, Randia, Yellow mangosteen.
Scientific name: Atractocarpus fitzalannii
Native to: Far North Queensland down to Mackay
Family: Rubiaceae
Habit: Small tree with an attractive shape that provides shade.
Flowers: Small white flowers with 6 petals.
Dispersal method: Most likely spread by birds and possibly flood water.
Control measures: Like other non local species that are enjoyed by gardeners, having the trees growing comes with the responsibility of controlling their spread. Collecting fallen and all accessible fruit will limit the numbers of seedlings getting into the bush.
Michelle Newall
