This coastal tree is widespread along tropical shores and typically occurs right at the strandline. It is known as the Sea Hearse or Lantern Tree and is quite unmistakable, having light glossy green leaves attached to the leaf stalk in a very unique way – the leaf stalk is attached some distance into the leaf lamina. When leaves are attached to the leaf stalk in such a fashion, the leaves are called peltate leaves. The fruits are also highly distinctive, with a white to red ‘outer covering that hides the dark brown fruit. However, the head of the fruit peeks out at the tip of the white/red covering where they look like dark ‘eyes’.

The ‘fruit’ cut open to expose the real fruit.