Acronychia
The Lemon Aspen Acronychia oblongifolia is a common tree along Ourimbah Creek. It reproduces by seed, but also produces suckers from the roots of older trees.
It is recognised by the distinctive shape of the leaves. Some, but not all, have a bite or notch out of them at the tip as shown in the photo opposite.
It is in the same plant family as the citrus fruits (Rutaceae) and the leaves have a strong lemony smell when crushed.
The white fruits, most with 4 lobes, (see weblink) have a pleasant lemony taste, although acid. They carpet the ground under mature trees around September. The tiny seeds have to be dissected out of the flesh before sowing - as with most fruits, the flesh inhibits germination.
More from the web:
Leaves (mature)
The closely-related Silver Aspen, Acronychia wilcoxiana (opposite) has similar leaves, but its fruits are a good deal larger, and with more than 4 lobes. This photo of a fruiting branch was taken in late June near one of the tributary gullies of Ourimbah Creek. The black seeds are reported to take several months to germinate.
The leaves of both species are opposite on the stem.
