Red Beech, Dillenia alata,also known as Golden Guinea Tree, is a small, branched fruit bearing tree, native to Wet Tropical coast of the Northern Territory and Queensland in Australia and New Guinea. Red Beech reaches a height of up to 10 meters with dense green foliage and a lovely flaky papery trunk, at first copper-pink becoming brownish-red with age.

The Dillenia alata leaves are large, 10-25 cm long and 8-12 cm wide, ovate, reddish brown while young, becoming glossy, dark green in color later. The flowers are bright golden-yellow with 5 petals, 6-9 cm in diameter and, although ephemeral (last for one day), they are replaced day-after-day for up to two months during late spring and summertime.

The fruit of the Red Beech has 6-8 red segments with an edible white flesh and black- brown small seeds. Carpels open out to reveal the seeds. The tree fruits throughout the year and fruits are an appealing feature of the plant as they contrast well with its shiny thick foliage.

Tree propagation is best from fresh seed but also from tip cuttings. Red Beech prefers sandy soils and plenty of moist. The plant will make an attractive addition to any tropical or subtropical garden. Once the tree is established, the can tolerate periods of dryness. Dillenia alata is a member of the family Dilleniaceae the genus Dillenia.

Dillenia alata, Red Beech

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The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.