Flindersia Schottiana is a species of tree found in Northern Australia. Its name is pronounced with the IPA phonetic transcription as ˌflɪndərˈsiːə skɒtiˈænə. The word Flindersia is spelled as it sounds, but the pronunciation of Schottiana may be a bit tricky for some. The "Sch" is pronounced as "s" and the "tt" sounds like "t," so it ends up as "skot-ee-ah-nuh." This beautiful tree is a popular ornamental and is often used for furniture making.
Flindersia schottiana, commonly known as the Silver Ash or Maple Silkwood, is a large evergreen tree belonging to the family Rutaceae. It is native to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia. The name Flindersia is a homage to the renowned explorer Matthew Flinders, while schottiana refers to the botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott.
This majestic tree can reach heights of up to 40 meters and possesses a straight trunk with smooth, grayish-brown bark. Its foliage consists of pinnate compound leaves, which are composed of numerous leaflets, each with a glossy dark green upper surface and a lighter undersurface. The leaflets emit a distinct citrus-like fragrance when crushed.
Flindersia schottiana is a dioecious species, meaning it has separate male and female trees. During the flowering season, which typically occurs in summer, pendulous clusters of small, white flowers emerge, giving rise to small woody capsules containing numerous winged seeds. The tree's smooth timber is commercially valuable, commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, and joinery due to its attractive grain patterns and durability.
In its natural habitat, Flindersia schottiana plays a vital ecological role by providing food and shelter to various native fauna, including birds, bats, and insects. Its large size and striking appearance make it a popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens, both in its native range and other regions with similar climates.
Overall, Flindersia schottiana is a magnificent Australian tree cherished for its aesthetic appeal, timber quality, and important ecological contributions to its ecosystem.
The word "Flindersia" in "Flindersia Schottiana" is derived from the surname of the English explorer and navigator Matthew Flinders (1774-1814). Flinders was the first person to circumnavigate Australia and map its coastline, making significant contributions to the understanding of the continent's geography and natural history.
"Schottiana" is a specific epithet given to species in honor of the Austrian botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott (1794-1865). Schott was known for his extensive work on tropical and South American flora, and his contributions greatly advanced the field of botany in the 19th century.
In summary, "Flindersia Schottiana" is a botanical name that combines the surname of an Australian explorer and the honorific epithet of an Austrian botanist to identify a particular species of plant.