Bidwill's Quassia (Quassia bidwillii)

Broad-leaved quassia Queensland quassia
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Quassia bidwillii: Rare Queensland Shrub Profile

Endemic to the dry rainforests and vine thickets of Queensland, Australia, Quassia bidwillii is a rare woody shrub. It is highly valued for its ecological significance in restricted ecosystems.

The species occupies a very narrow ecological niche, primarily growing on gravelly soils along watercourses. Its survival is closely tied to the preservation of undisturbed dry rainforest habitats.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ malvids
  • ∟ order Sapindales
  • ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
  • ∟ genus Quassia (Quassia Wood)
  • ∟ species Quassia bidwillii (Bidwill's Quassia)

Living Pulse

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Morphology

This species usually grows as an upright shrub or small tree reaching 2 to 6 meters in height. The branches bear alternate, simple leaves that are narrow-elliptic to lanceolate, featuring a pale midvein and entire margins.

Small, vibrant red or pinkish flowers appear in clusters from the leaf axils. The subsequent fruit is a cluster of small, oval drupes that turn orange-red when ripe, containing a single seed.

Flowering season

Spring to early summer, peaking between September and December in its native range.

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Applications

Conservation Research: Due to its rare status, the primary focus remains on genetic studies and habitat restoration. Researchers study its adaptation to dry rainforest conditions to help preserve the remaining populations.

Ecological Role: As a native understory plant, it provides food for local insect pollinators and small forest birds that feed on its drupes.

Interesting facts

  • Vulnerable Endemic: This plant is found naturally only in a few isolated patches in Queensland, making it highly susceptible to habitat loss.
  • Fiery Blossoms: Unlike many other members of the genus which have pale green or yellow flowers, this species produces distinctive, bright red blossoms.

Geography of distribution

  • Australia

Sources

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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