''Beilschmiedia bancroftii'' is a tree species in the family
Lauraceae
Lauraceae, or the laurels, is a plant Family (biology), family that includes the bay laurel, true laurel and its closest relatives. This family comprises about 2850 known species in about 45 genus (biology), genera worldwide. They are dicotyled ...
. It is native to
Queensland
Queensland ( , commonly abbreviated as Qld) is a States and territories of Australia, state in northeastern Australia, and is the second-largest and third-most populous state in Australia. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Austr ...
in
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
.
Common names include yellow walnut, yellow nut and canary ash.
The species was first formally described by Queensland colonial botanist
Frederick Manson Bailey
Frederick Manson Bailey (8 March 1827 – 25 June 1915) was a botanist active in Australia, who made valuable contributions to the characterisation of the flora of Queensland. He was known by his middle name, Manson.
Early life
Bailey was bo ...
in 1891, based on plant material collected on the
Johnstone River
The Johnstone River, comprising the North Johnstone River and the South Johnstone River, is a river system in Far North and North Queensland, Australia.
The headwaters of the river system rise in the Atherton Tablelands. The north branch o ...
and "other scrubs of tropical Queensland".
[ It was initially named ''Cryptocarya bancroftii'', but later transferred to the genus '']Beilschmiedia
''Beilschmiedia'' is a genus of trees and shrubs in family Lauraceae. Most of its species grow in tropical climates, but a few of them are native to temperate regions, and they are widespread in tropical Asia, Africa, Madagascar, Australia, New Z ...
'' in 1918 by Cyril Tenison White
Cyril Tenison White (17 August 1890 – 15 August 1950) was an Australian botanist.
Early life
White was born in Brisbane, Queensland, to Henry White, a trade broker, and Louisa (''nee'' Bailey). He attended school at South Brisbane State Sch ...
.
Though the seeds are toxic when fresh, they were used by indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are people with familial heritage from, or recognised membership of, the various ethnic groups living within the territory of contemporary Australia prior to History of Australia (1788–1850), British colonisation. The ...
following treatment.
References
bancroftii
Laurales of Australia
Flora of Queensland
Edible nuts and seeds
Plants described in 1891
Bushfood
{{Laurales-stub