Dillenia alata is an evergreen flowering tree indigenous to SE Asia and the tropical regions of Northern Australia. It can grow to 8m but tends to not grow as tall when grown as a garden plant.
It has a crooked low branching trunk and attractive papery bark, copper/pink turning maroon with age. The large glossy leaves give the plant a tropical feel. During summer the tree produces lots of large yellow and saucer-shaped flowers with prominent red stamen. The flowers are followed by deep red seed pods that stand out amongst the leaves.
Plants need tropical conditions, fertile humous rich well drained soil and a regular supply of water and when young protection. Grows in the swampy depression around Cairns