Leather jacket (Alphitonia excelsa, Fl. austral 1:414. 1863)

Family: Rhamnaceae

Author: Benth. (Fenzl)

Bibliography: Fl. austral 1:414. 1863

Year: 1863

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Alphitonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. New Guinea to N. & E. Australia

Description

The Leather Jacket, scientifically known as Alphitonia excelsa, is a notable member of the Rhamnaceae family. Described in 1863 by renowned botanist Benth. (Fenzl) in the publication ‘Flora Australiensis,’ this plant has its roots deeply embedded in both science and history. Originating from Southern New Guinea, it extends its presence throughout Northern and Eastern Australia.

Alphitonia excelsa is characterized by its robust and resilient nature, which is perhaps why it is commonly referred to as Leather Jacket—a name that conjures images of toughness and durability. The plant thrives in these diverse regions, adapting well to various environmental conditions.

In the wild, the Leather Jacket serves a critical role in its native ecosystems. The plant exhibits a distinctive bark and leaf structure, which is not only pivotal for identifying the species but also in understanding its ecological functions. Its sturdy leaves and hardy constitution enable it to withstand harsh climates, making it a significant component of regional flora.

The scientific community continues to be fascinated by Alphitonia excelsa, and its widespread presence from Southern New Guinea to Northern and Eastern Australia is a testament to its adaptability and ecological importance. Through ongoing observations and studies, the Leather Jacket remains a species of interest within the Rhamnaceae family, contributing to our broader understanding of plant resilience and adaptation.

In summary, the Leather Jacket (Alphitonia excelsa) is an exemplary species within its family, offering insights into the dynamics of plant survival and distribution in diverse climates. Its historical and botanical significance continues to be acknowledged and explored by botanists and researchers globally.

Common Names

Eng: cooper’s-wood, red ash, leather-jacket, mountain-ash, pink-almond, red tweedie, red-almond, red-ash, soaptree, white-myrtle, whiteleaf
En: Leather jacket, Red almond, Red Ash, Soap Tree, Wilirda, Cooper’s-wood, Leather-jacket, Mountain-ash, Pink-almond, Red tweedie, Red-almond, Red-ash, Soaptree, White-myrtle, Whiteleaf
Fa: سرخ‌خاکستر (درخت)

Synonyms

• Alphitonia excelsa var. acutifolia (Braid)
• Colubrina excelsa (Fenzl)
• Ceanothus excelsa ((Fenzl) Steud.)

Distribution

• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Western Australia (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by luke kennedy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Martin W (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Sánchez Delgadillo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by luke kennedy (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by luke kennedy (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by luke kennedy (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3039494)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:716620-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alphitonia excelsa (Fenzl) Reissek ex Benth.)

Specifications

Growth