Bootlace Bush

Wikstroemia indica, Bootlace Bush

This is Wikstroemia indica, a local vine scrub plant, also known as Tie Bush. It grows about 2 metres high, and has really tiny flowers and red fruit. It is unusual in plants to have flowers that are black or green, but this is one with green flowers.  

Green flowers of Wikstroemia indica

Distribution and Ecology
Occurs in the Northern Territory, Cape York Peninsula, North East Queensland and southwards as far as coastal central New South Wales. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 900 m. Often grows in open forest or wet sclerophyll forest but also found on rain forest margins, in rain forest regrowth, or some of the drier forms of rain forest. Also occurs in Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. They are found in the local area including the Moogerah Peaks National Parks.
Natural History
The leaves are poisonous to cattle. The fruits are more poisonous than the leaves. Cases have been reported of children dying after eating the fruits of this plant. Although it is a much favoured food for the Brown Cuckoo-dove.
Cultural Notes
It came by its common name because the tough stringy bark can be pulled off in long strips and was used by Aborigines and pioneers to make string.
Also used as fish poison.

Studies of chemicals in Wikstroemia have suggested it contains chemicals that may prove useful in cancer research.

Resources
A. Podlich, Fassifern Field Naturalists Club Inc.
Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants
Noosa's Native Plants
Save Our Waterways Now