Description Nauclea orientalis

the spherical inflorescence of leichhardt trees.

leichhardt trees medium tall trees, reaching maximum height of around 30 m (98 ft) diameter of 1 m (3.3 ft). deciduous, shedding leaves during dry season. bark surface of liechhardt trees grayish reddish brown , may smooth or fissured , flaky. orange yellow in color when cut.

the broadly ovate smooth (glabrous) leaves opposite , around 7 30 cm (2.8 11.8 in) 4 18 cm (1.6 7.1 in) in size. upper surface glossy green. bottom side has raised prominent yellow venation. members of rubiaceae family, stipules of leichhardt trees interpetiolar. in nauclea, these interpetiolar stipules held erect , pressed together, resulting in flattened vegetative buds. large, around 1 3.5 cm (0.39 1.38 in) long. on inside surfaces number of small red glands can resemble insect eggs.

the small fragrant flowers tubular , yellowish orange white stamens. grouped spherical cluster originating central point 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. bloom september january in australia, , august october in philippines. individual flowers small, 8 10 mm (0.31 0.39 in) long , 3 5 mm (0.12 0.20 in) in diameter. possess perianth (each composed of 5 petals , sepals in separate whorls), internal surface of corolla yellow orange , sweet-smelling. partly fused together, forming long corolla tube tipped individual lobes of petals. flowers bisexual, 5 short , separate stamens attached perianth. calyces fused together, resulting in spherical shape of flower head. epigynous, ovary inferior (lying below attachment of other flower parts).

after 3 months, flower heads develop fleshy globular multiple fruit (syncarp) joined calyces (each flower becoming fruitlet containing 1 seed). around 4 5 cm (1.6 2.0 in) in diameter, size of golf ball. fruit rugose (wrinkled), brown, , aromatic. fruits indehiscent.

the ovoid ellipsoid seeds small, around 1 10 mm (0.039 0.394 in) in length , not winged. numerous not remain viable long. being recalcitrant (unable survive drying , freezing temperatures), s impossible store them. seeds germinate above ground (epigeal germination) around 15 days after being sown.