Thread: Macaranga tanarius (parasol leaf tree)

Originally Posted by Feckit

Once again a poor choice of photo, I'd have to go for a bit of a drive to get a better one.

The tree was most certainly alive. It was about 18ish meters tall with the large limbs spread slightly above horizontal, it was actually a very impressive tree, shoulda taken a photo. Anyway the leaf was absolutely without question a "Parasol Leaf". Having now done a significant amount more research I'm happy to admit that my original identification is wrong and it's not tanarius nor is it macadamia.

To add a little more context to the story, the tree came from and area that was once a forestry/ranger station. No one knows when that was established or even abandoned for that matter. Interestingly the water well for the place was timber lined. So, what this tree is, how old it is and how it got there are all unknown at the moment, but I'm going to find out.

For anyone that's interested and at the Gympie/Tin Can Bay/Tewantin ish area you can drive to this spot and have a look for yourself. The coordinates are 26°11'54.44"S 152°54'57.20"E, take the track that's opposite the Harry's Hut turn off. The Kauri Pines (Agathis microstachya), which are still there, are, on their own, worth the drive to go and look at, they are massive.

Firstly your pics were quite reasonable Feckit...fairly clear and concise IMO...never was there a question regarding identity of the leaves,yes they were most likely from a Macaranga tanarius specimen(s)...you need not of conducted further research,as it was already done for you ...the timber itself conclusively pointed to a completely different Genera/species...definitely Proteaceae family and whilst it may not be one of the Macadamia species the timber is VERY similar (more so than Macaranga tanarius)...a number of variables needed for prudent identification of trees include leaves/bark/wood/provenance/flower(s)/soil type/terrain elevation and historical data...a process of elimination...MM

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

I agree, bark wise and the crotch figuring, it looks pretty much like the one growing in my front yard. Photos of the cut timber strongly suggest Macadamia as does it propensity to split badly. Nice and pinkish when fresh cut and mellows to a silver brown over time, very strong medullary feature - all hallmarks of macadamia.

I'd say someone has confused logs & tree ID's from different sources.

If Macadamia Genus then species likely to be Integrifolia...MM

Unsurprisingly MM, you are correct. Having now checked the end grain I can confirm that the timber example shown is without question Macadamia.

This is the actual Big Mac I was banging on about in the first place.

M1.jpg

And;

M2.jpg

And a gratuitous pic of the Not Macaranga Macadamia, just because.

Ma1.jpg

Thanks for the assistance MM.

Originally Posted by Feckit

Unsurprisingly MM, you are correct. Having now checked the end grain I can confirm that the timber example shown is without question Macadamia.

This is the actual Big Mac I was banging on about in the first place.

M1.jpg

And;

M2.jpg

And a gratuitous pic of the Not Macaranga Macadamia, just because.

Ma1.jpg

Thanks for the assistance MM.

Your welcome Feckit...happy milling mate...MM