Finschia, Finschia chloroxantha is a tropical, nut bearing tree native to New Guine reaching up to 35meters in height. Finscia is a member of the family Proteaceae the genus Finschia. There are three species of Finschia in New Guinea with Finschia chloroxantha being the most common and the most widely distributed species as well as being the only species to be found away from New Guinea. The other two species are Finschia rufa and Finschia ferruginiflora.


Leaves are simple, spaced along branches, spirally ordered, dark green and glossy on upper surface, lighter green on under surface. Flowers are borne in masses, very attractive, golden-yellow, and bisexual, however the number of fruits set by comparison is very small, and a familiar characteristic of the genus.

The fruits of Finschia are more or less globular in shape, and vary in size from 30-55mm in length and 25-45mm in width and contain one or occasionally two seeds (nuts). They will turn a bright yellow to black color at maturity. Fruits are collected from beneath the trees after they have fallen and are cooked before being eaten.

The fruits consist of a thin, 1-2mm thick, fleshy layer on the outside and a woody layer, from 4-10mm thick, surrounding the nuts (seeds). The Woody layer does not open spontaneously at maturity to release seeds but it can be removed by burning off, or by cracking it

Seeds (nuts) are round in shape and have an edible, fleshy kernel, flattened on sides. They are somewhat bigger than those of Macadamia nuts, which it is related, and it has been recommended that the thin shelled varieties could be cultivated commercially.

The nuts (seeds) of all three species are in general eaten raw or cooked by local people and it is not rare to find numerous plants around permanent village sites. Tree propagation is by seeds.

Finschia, Finschia chloroxantha

Click On Sitemap for the Complete List of Articles

Incoming search terms:

  • Finschia chloroxantha