Researcher: Evie Hole DATE: 24/3/15 

SWAMP BOX

FAMILY: Myrtaceae 

BOTANICAL NAME: Lophostemon suaveolens

Country of Origin: Australia - Mainly NSW, QLD

Growth habit (tree/shrub/grass/vine):

-       Large tree with red-brown, fibrous-papery bark. -       Widespread and common in coastal districts, often on swampy ground or alluvial flats -    Up to 25m tall Flower - Inflorescences- 3-7-flowers per bunch - White in colour - Blooms in Summer months- October to December  Fruit and Seeds - A small amount of fruit can yield a great amount of seed, usually ready to pick in January.                     - Keep the fruit in a large paper bag in a sunny spot until it releases its seed, then scatter this across the surface of a tray of potting mix and water Leaves - The leaves are sessile (lacking a stem), alternate along the branchlets - Rounded at Stem, shapes into point - Leaves are around 14.5cm by 4.5cm  Indigenous Peoples uses the resources of this trees, as the Swamp Box attracts Termites, therefore they can be eaten as a source of protein. The termite mounds are used as cooking pots. And the Berries can be eaten as a treatment to prevent diarrhoea.