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Proteaceous Tree
Helicia cochinchinensis
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An evergreen tall tree growing in evergreen forests of southern Kyushu and Okinawa. Proteaceae is a predominantly Southern Hemisphere family, with only this and a few other species native to Japan. Numerous pale yellow flowers are borne on elongated spicate inflorescences.
Identification Points
- βLeaves are oblanceolate to elliptic, coriaceous, with serrate margins
- βFlowers are arranged in dense spicate inflorescences with 4 long pale yellow tepals
- βFruits are ellipsoid drupes, turning dark brown when ripe
Habitat
Evergreen forests and coastal forests of southern Kyushu and Okinawa
Season
JuneβAugust (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf shape
Linear
Stipules
Absent
Ovary position
Superior
Stamen count
3-4
Phylogenetic Positionγ€γγ’γ¬γ·η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Basal eudicots > Proteales > Proteaceae
Divergence Era
Early to Middle Cretaceous (approx. 115β100 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Proteaceae is distributed mainly in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, South Africa, and South America), an ancient lineage that dispersed with the breakup of Gondwana. Macadamia also belongs to this family.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification