Scientific Name: Macaranga tanarius

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  • Pronunciation:
    mack-ah-RAN- gah tan-ah-REE-us
  • Common Name:
    Macaranga
  • Type:
    Tree
  • Family:
    EUPHORBIACEAE
  • Flowers:
    Greenish-cream flowers in clusters to 12mm. Male and female flowers on separate plants
  • Fruit:
    Green, soft-spined capsule to 15mm
  • Vegetation Type:
    Rainforest and Wet Eucalypt Forest. Regrowth and disturbed areas, including Seacoast
  • Species List:
    Leslie Drive Roundabout, FlexiSchoolSB, Weyba Esp, SBHS, Bush medicine, Craft, Peregian Boardwalk, Coolum High, Boreen Point Caravan Park, NNP Parkedge/Alex, Cooroy Mill Site, NNP service road, Pioneer, BSDoonan, Cooloothin Corner, Banana, Cooroibah Conservation Park, Cooroibah Bushland Reserve, Cranks Creek, Batianoff 87, Upper Yandina Creek, Kin Kin Arboretum, Leslie Drive Roundabout Noosa North Shore PS TAFE NNP Tanglewood BHNR Kin Kin Scrub NNP Coastal Marcus Dunes, NNS, Heritage Park, Wallace Park,
Cultural Notes

TAKE CARE! Some information about bush foods and medicines may be anecdotal. Correct identification and preparation is essential:

Bush Medicine: Leaves used as a contraceptive by aboriginal people.

Long lengths of fibrous bark used for fibre.

Identification Notes

Pioneer plant. Large rounded leaves to 25cm, with stalk attached on underside away from edge (peltate). Leaves pale on underside, often with red veins. Stems and petioles exude white or clear sap that turns red when oxidised.

Associated Fauna

Bird and butterfly attracting. Butterfly host plant: Blue triangle. Silvereyes eat seed.

Landscaping Notes

Useful fast- growing shade tree. Pioneer plant that can be used temporarily for shade when establishing plants requiring overhead protection. Fire retardant species. Self-seeds via birds droppings. Indoor pot plant potential