Xylomelum pyriforme (Gaertn.) Knight

Size and Leaves

Xylomelum pyriforme (Gaertn.) Knight grows as a large shrub or small tree, typically reaching 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) in height. Trees growing up to 15 meters (49 feet) tall have been recorded in Howes Valley, located northwest of Sydney. Large juvenile leaves have dentate (toothed) margins, with 6 to 11 teeth along each edge, while adult leaves have smooth, entire margins. Prominently veined leaves range from 10 to 20 centimeters (3.9 to 7.9 inches) in length and reach up to 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) in width. They are glabrous (smooth) and dark green, and new growth is covered in fine rust-colored fur.

Flowering and Fruit

Flowering occurs from September to November, peaking in October. The rust-colored inflorescences measure 5 to 8 centimeters (2.0 to 3.1 inches) long. After flowering, the plant produces a large, woody, pear-shaped seed pod that grows up to 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) long and 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) wide.

Range

The natural range of Xylomelum pyriforme extends from the mid-north coast of New South Wales south to Mittagong, with one outlying recorded population near Cooma.

Habitat

It grows on plateaus and ridges in nutrient-poor, well-drained sandstone soils within open eucalypt woodland.

Associated Species

It is commonly associated with the tree species Corymbia eximia (yellow bloodwood), Corymbia gummifera (red bloodwood), Eucalyptus haemastoma (scribbly gum), Eucalyptus sieberi (silvertop ash), Eucalyptus capitellata (brown stringybark), Eucalyptus punctata (grey gum) and Eucalyptus sclerophylla (scribbly gum).

Regeneration

After bushfires, Xylomelum pyriforme regenerates from a lignotuber or epicormic buds, and can also produce new suckers from its roots. It is one of several Australian plant species that require fire to open its seed pods and disperse its seeds.

Diseases

The fungus Giugnardia causes leaf spot in this species, while the alga Cephaleutos virescens causes algal leaf spot.

Cultivation

Xylomelum pyriforme is rarely cultivated, due to the scarcity of its seed. Although its seedlings grow readily, they often die quickly from damping off. A plant grown from seed can take up to 20 years to reach the flowering stage. Early European settlers in Australia used this tree's wood to make gun stocks.