Ceratopetalum gummiferum

NSW Christmas bush

Family: Cunoniaceae

The New South Wales Christmas bush is widespread over the east coast, commonly growing in open forests on sandstone hillsides. Usually growing erect to 2 - 4 m, on damper soils it can grow much higher.

The light green leaves are opposite and trifoliate. Each leaflet is 3-7cm long, elliptical, with finely toothed margins.

The flowers are tiny and white in November, attracting flies and native bees. After pollination the sepals enlarge and turn deep pink and red in December, enclosing the fruit.