Andy Montoya
The cheese tree, or Glochidion ferdinandi, is a species of small to medium-sized trees native to eastern Australia. It is a semi-deciduous tree with flaky brownish-grey bark and simple elliptical leaves. The name cheese tree comes from the resemblance of its fruit to small cheese wheels. The fruit is sweet and cheese parcel-shaped, bursting open to reveal bright red seeds that attract a range of fruit- and seed-eating birds.
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What You'll Learn
- The cheese tree, or Glochidion ferdinandi, is a species of small to medium-sized trees
- The name cheese tree comes from its fruit's resemblance to small cheese wheels
- The cheese tree grows in both clay and sandy soils and is found in rainforests
- Cheese tree wood is medium-heavy and suitable for decorative knife handles or attachments
- The cheese tree's fruit is eaten by several bird species, including the Australasian figbird and olive-backed oriole
The cheese tree, or Glochidion ferdinandi, is a species of small to medium-sized trees
The cheese tree gets its name from its fruit, which resembles small cheese wheels or parcels. These fruits burst open to reveal bright red seeds, which are a food source for a variety of birds, including the Lewin's honeyeater, olive-backed oriole, rainforest pigeons and doves, and parrots. The leaves are also a food source for the larvae of the Shining Pencil-blue Butterfly.
The cheese tree has both single female and male flowers, which are found in groups of three. Flowering can occur at any time of the year. The tree grows as a woody shrub or small tree and can be used as a screening tree or clipped to create a tall hedge.
While the cheese tree is a durable and attractive addition to a landscape, its thick roots can be invasive, spreading across a wide area and potentially affecting drainage pipes and foundations. There have also been concerns about the potential toxicity of the roots to dogs, with some cases of liver failure reported after dogs chewed on the roots. However, the fruit does not appear to be toxic, as birds that consume it are unaffected.
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The name cheese tree comes from its fruit's resemblance to small cheese wheels
The cheese tree, or Glochidion ferdinandi, is a species of small to medium-sized trees native to eastern Australia, particularly in the rainforests and humid eucalypt forests of southeastern New South Wales and northern and inland Queensland. The name "cheese tree" is derived from the fruit's resemblance to small wheels of cheese. The fruit, which is sweet and shaped like a cheese parcel, bursts open to reveal bright red seeds that attract a variety of fruit- and seed-eating birds, such as the Lewin's honeyeater, olive-backed oriole, rainforest pigeons and doves, and parrots. The cheese tree is an uncommon variety, with the hairy cheese tree being a smaller variant with finely hairy leaves and fruit.
The cheese tree typically grows to a height of 8 meters (26 feet), although some specimens can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet). It has flaky brownish-grey bark and simple, alternately arranged elliptical leaves that are 3-10 centimeters long and 1.5-4 centimeters wide. The species may be partly deciduous in winter, and flowering can occur at any time of the year. The cheese tree has both single female and male flowers that are found in groups of three.
The cheese tree thrives in both clay and sandy soils and can be found in rainforests and wetter areas of sclerophyll forests. It is known for its dense crown and semi-deciduous nature, making it well-suited as a screening tree or a tall hedge when clipped. The tree's wood is medium-heavy, with a volume weight of approximately 770 kg/m3, and has a honey-brown color with a beautiful pattern. The wood is commonly used for decorative knife handles or attachments.
While the cheese tree is valued for its shade and aesthetic qualities, it is important to note that its roots can be invasive. The roots may spread across a large area, potentially affecting drainage pipes and even house foundations. Additionally, there have been concerns about the potential toxicity of the roots to dogs, with some cases of acute liver failure reported after dogs chewed on the roots. However, it is unclear if the condition was directly caused by the roots or by other factors.
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The cheese tree grows in both clay and sandy soils and is found in rainforests
The cheese tree, or Glochidion ferdinandi, is a species of small to medium-sized trees native to eastern Australia. It is an extremely adaptable tree that grows in both clay and sandy soils and is commonly found in rainforests and humid eucalypt forests. The cheese tree can grow anywhere from 5 to 20 metres in height, occasionally reaching 30 metres. It has flaky brownish-grey bark and simple, elliptical leaves that are 3–10 centimetres in length and 1.5–4 centimetres wide. The cheese tree may be partly deciduous in winter, and flowering can occur at any time of the year.
The name "cheese tree" comes from the resemblance of its fruit to small cheese wheels. The fruit is sweet and cheese parcel-shaped, bursting open to reveal bright red seeds that attract a range of fruit- and seed-eating birds, including the Lewin's honeyeater, olive-backed oriole, rainforest pigeons and doves, and parrots. The leaves of the cheese tree provide food for the larvae of the Shining Pencil-blue Butterfly.
The cheese tree is well-suited to a variety of environments and can be found in rainforests, wetter areas, and sclerophyll forests. It is often associated with species such as bangalay, woollybutt, forest red gum, thin-leaved stringybark, and swamp she-oak. The hairy cheese tree, a variety of the cheese tree, is smaller and found in central Queensland and southern New South Wales. It grows alongside magenta lilly pilly, broad-leaved paperbark, and Rhodomyrtus species.
While the cheese tree is a beautiful and adaptable tree, it is important to note that its roots can be invasive and may cause issues with drainage pipes and foundations. Additionally, there have been concerns about the potential toxicity of the roots to dogs, with some cases of acute liver failure reported. However, the fruit of the tree does not appear to be toxic, and it is a valuable food source for various bird species.
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Cheese tree wood is medium-heavy and suitable for decorative knife handles or attachments
The cheese tree, or Glochidion ferdinandi, is a species of small to medium-sized trees native to eastern Australia. It typically grows to around 8 metres (26 ft) but can occasionally reach up to 30 metres (98 ft). The cheese tree gets its name from its fruit, which resembles small cheese wheels. The wood of the cheese tree is medium-heavy, with a volume weight of approximately 770 kg/m3. This makes it slightly heavier than oak, which has a weight of about 760 kg/m3.
The medium-heavy cheese tree wood is well-suited for decorative knife handles or attachments. Its exotic burl wood, originating from Indonesia, exhibits a honey-brown colour and a beautiful pattern. The standard dimensions for a block of cheese tree wood are 150 x 50 x 30 mm or larger, and it is typically sold dry. When ordering, customers should specify the desired piece by referring to the corresponding number in the product image.
Cheese tree wood is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and visually appealing material for their knife handles or attachments. Its medium-heavy weight and attractive appearance make it a standout option for those looking to add a touch of distinction to their knives. The cheese tree itself is a versatile tree that can grow as a woody shrub or small tree and is adaptable to both clay and sandy soils.
While the cheese tree is most commonly found in eastern Australia, particularly in rainforests and humid eucalypt forests, its wood is accessible for purchase internationally. Those interested in acquiring cheese tree wood for knife handles or decorative purposes can source it from specialised suppliers, ensuring they provide specific instructions regarding their desired dimensions and quantity.
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The cheese tree's fruit is eaten by several bird species, including the Australasian figbird and olive-backed oriole
The cheese tree, scientifically known as Glochidion ferdinandi, is a species of small to medium-sized trees native to eastern Australia. The name "cheese tree" comes from the resemblance of its fruit to small cheese wheels. The fruit is consumed by a variety of bird species, including the Australasian figbird and the olive-backed oriole.
The Australasian figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti) is a species of bird native to Australia and New Guinea. They are mostly frugivores, feeding on the fruits of various plants, including the cheese tree. The olive-backed oriole (Oriolus sagittatus), on the other hand, is a colourful bird found in northern and eastern Australia, as well as southern New Guinea. Like the figbird, they are also known to feed on the fruit of the cheese tree.
The cheese tree is an attractive tree with a glossy, luscious appearance, similar to that of a Lilly Pilly or Waterhousia. It can grow to heights of 5 to 20 metres, though some individuals may reach up to 30 metres. The tree has flaky brownish-grey bark and simple, elliptical leaves that are 3-10 centimetres long and 1.5-4 centimetres wide. The leaves may be partly deciduous in winter.
The cheese tree bears small, sweet fruits that resemble cheese parcels. When ripe, these fruits burst open to reveal bright red seeds that are highly attractive to birds. In addition to the Australasian figbird and olive-backed oriole, other bird species known to feed on the fruit include Lewin's honeyeater, the white-headed pigeon, the topknot pigeon, the brown cuckoo-dove, and the Australian king parrot.
The cheese tree is a durable and adaptable tree that can grow in both clay and sandy soils. It thrives in rainforests and humid eucalypt forests, often found alongside other tree species such as bangalay, woollybutt, and forest red gum. While the fruit of the cheese tree is a valuable food source for birds, it is important to note that the roots of the tree may be toxic to dogs, as evidenced by cases of liver failure in canines that have chewed on them.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese tree is a species of small to medium-sized trees, constituting part of the plant family Phyllanthaceae.
A cheese tree grows to about 8 metres (26 ft) but can occasionally reach 30 metres (98 ft). It has flaky brownish-grey bark and simple, elliptical leaves that are 3–10 centimetres (1.2–3.9 in) in length and 1.5–4 centimetres (0.59–1.57 in) wide.
The fruits of a cheese tree resemble small cheese wheels. They are shaped like sweet little cheese parcels that burst open to reveal bright red seeds.
Cheese trees grow in both clay and sandy soils and are found in rainforests and wetter areas in sclerophyll forests. They grow naturally across eastern Australia, from southeastern New South Wales to northern and inland Queensland.
