Paratrophis banksii
{{Short description|Species of tree}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2024}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Streblus banksii 11.JPG
| image_caption =
| genus = Paratrophis
| species = banksii
| authority = Cheeseman (1906)
| synonyms =
- Paratrophis heterophylla var. elliptica {{small|Kirk (1896 publ. 1897)}}
- Streblus banksii {{small|(Cheeseman) C.J.Webb (1987)}}
- Streblus heterophyllus var. ellipticus {{small|(Kirk) Corner (1962)}}
|synonyms_ref = [https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:584466-1 Paratrophis banksii Cheeseman]. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
}}
Paratrophis banksii, commonly known as the large-leaved milk tree or by the Māori name ewekuri, is a species of plant in the family Moraceae that is endemic to New Zealand. The name "milk tree" comes from the milky sap the tree exudes when cut or damaged.
Range
Streblus banksii is found in areas of coastal and lowland forest in the North Island and Marlborough, where it can grow {{Convert|9–12|m|abbr=off}} high. It is now also found on Mana Island, where it has been planted in several locations to aid in reforestation.{{Cite web |title=Mana Island ecological restoration plan review |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/conservation-publications/land-and-freshwater/offshore-islands/mana-island-ecological-restoration-plan-review/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Department of Conservation |language=en-nz}}
Description
The leaves are {{Convert|4–9|cm|abbr=off|frac=4}} long and net-veined with a toothed edge. The tree has numerous bright yellow flowers between September and November followed by bright red-orange ovoid fruits.{{cite web|title=Ewekuri (Large-leaved milk tree) Streblus banksii|url=http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/other-flora-in-taranaki/ewekuri-streblus-banksii.html|publisher=Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network|access-date=22 October 2012}}
Ecology
The leaves, fruit, and seeds are heavily browsed by rodents and possums. The milk tree responds well to rodent removal.{{Cite web |title=Streblus banksii |url=https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/streblus-banksii/ |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=New Zealand Plant Conservation Network |language=en}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q125568721|from2=Q7622750}}
Category:Endemic flora of New Zealand
Category:Plants described in 1906
Category:Taxa named by Thomas Frederic Cheeseman
{{Moraceae-stub}}