Planchonia careya (Cocky Apple)

Planchonia careya, Barringtonia careya, Careya australis, Cocky Apple, Cockatoo Apple, Billygoat Plum

Botanical names: Planchonia careya, Barringtonia careya, Careya australis

Common names: Cocky Apple, Cockatoo Apple, Billygoat Plum

Family: Lecythidaceae

Origin: Australia

Hardiness: 9-11

Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Ethnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Planchonia careya is a small tree, 4-10 metres high, which is briefly deciduous in the dry season.

Flowers are large, white and fleshy with numerous pink and white stamens 5-6 cm long. The individual flowers are superbly ornamental, but the flowering tree is seldom spectacular, as only a few flowers are usually produced at a time.

Another reason why flowering trees are not readily appreciated is because the Cocky Apple flowers at night. The flowers can be seen opening up at dusk.