Terminalia petiolaris (Marul or Blackberry)
Marul are a Kimberley endemic meaning they are only found here and nowhere else in the world!
These trees can grow up to fourteen metres, and occur mostly in monsoonal vine thicket, from Broome to the North Kimberley. They are an essential canopy tree of this threatened ecological community. They provide good shade and canopy cover and due to their ability to withstand cyclone damage and are a reccomended street and garden tree.
The best bit about Marul trees is the sweet blackberry fruit (if you know where the good ones are!). The seeds are quite big and the fruit can often be sour.
They tend to flower before the first rains and stop as the country begins to dry up more in March/April. The creamy flowers excude a strong scent.
Locality map; http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/5309
Immature flowers, leaves and mature fruit of the Marul tree.
The Marul provides much of the canopy and shade within Monsoon Vine Thickets.
Lulu
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