Ochrosia elliptica Labill., Sert. Austro-Caledon. 25, t.30 (1824)

Synonyms
Bleekeria calocarpa Hassk.
Bleekeria elliptica (Labill.) Koidz.
Bleekeria kalocarpa Hassk.
Excavatia elliptica (Labill.) Markgr.
Lactaria calocarpa (Hassk.) Hassk.
Lactaria elliptica (Labill.) Kuntze
Lactaria parviflora (G.Don) Kuntze
Ochrosia calocarpa (Hassk.) Miq.
Ochrosia elliptica forma syncarpa Boiteau
Ochrosia noumeensis Baill. ex Guillaumin
Ochrosia parviflora G.Don

Description
A large shrub or small spreading tree 5 to 9 metres tall. It has leathery dark green elliptic to obovate leaves up to 8-20cm long and 4-8cm wide. The leaves occur in whorls of 3 or 4. The flowers occur in axilliary clusters and are small, yellow/white and fragrant. They are followed by pairs of striking red fruit 5-6 cm long by 2-3 cm in diameter, which resemble elongated tomatoes or a pair of red horns. The fruits are poisonous, and plants bleed white sap copiously when wounded.

Ecology
Coastal, in foredune vine thickets behind mangroves. Low elevations. Salt and drought tolerant.

Distribution
North eastern Australia and western Pacific.Introduced in many subtropical and topical regions of the world.

Uses
Ornamental (although fruits highly poisenous). Leaf and stem material of this species used against some tumors. This plant was used in colonial medicine, bark used to treat malaria, but contains no quinine.

Local names
China: Gu cheng mei gui shu.
English: Berrywood tree, Bloodhorn, Elliptic yellowwood, Mangrove ochrosia, Wedge apple.