About Alectryon tomentosus (F.Muell.) Radlk.
Alectryon tomentosus (F.Muell.) Radlk. is commonly called the hairy birds eye, red jacket, or woolly rambutan. It is a rainforest tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family, native to eastern Australia. Its specific epithet tomentosus refers to its hairy leaves and hairy young shoots. This species grows in many different types of rainforest across a variety of soil types. Its distribution extends as far south as the Hunter River, New South Wales, and reaches the northernmost point of Australia's eastern coast. In its natural habitat, it can grow to 15 metres (50 ft) tall, with a stem diameter of 30 cm (12 in). Cultivated individuals are generally much smaller. Average flower drop is 40%, and average fruit drop is 90%. Endosperm development follows the ab initio nuclear pattern. Cell formation begins at the micropylar end and proceeds toward the chalaza. The outer layers of the outer integument differentiate into the fruit's edible flesh. Alectryon tomentosus is an attractive tree, with jagged-edged leaves, pink flowers, and red fruit. Its trunk is grey and smooth. It is often planted in gardens, parks, and as a street tree. Green catbirds have been observed eating the fruit of this tree. It was first described in 1857 by Ferdinand von Mueller, under the name Nephelium tomentosum, from a specimen collected on the Brisbane River. It received its current binomial name after being reclassified by Ludwig Adolph Timotheus Radlkofer.
