Atherosperma moschatum

Common name: 

Southern Sassafras

Family: 

Atherospermataceae
(alternate family: Monimiaceae)

Distribution (from Flora of Victoria):

?Otway Range, Eastern Highlands, Gippsland Highlands, Wilsons Promontory, Snowfields, East Gippsland (NRSTVWZ) also NSW, Tas

Map - Australia's Virtual Herbarium

Distribution and ecological preference at Wilsons Promontory (if known):

Not common. Growing in wetter sites in the south of the Prom, particularly along Sealers Cove and Windy Saddle1

Flower description:

Cream1

Habit:

Tree to 15 m, usually conical1,2

Distinguishing characteristics (within family/genus):

The bark, leaves, flowers and fruit of this species smell of nutmeg when crushed1

Images:
Image of Atherosperma moschatum
Image of Atherosperma moschatum Image: Mike Bayly
Image of Atherosperma moschatum Image: Mike Bayly
Links to more images:

Atlas of Living Australia

Links to description of this species:

Museum Victoria

Yarra Ranges

Conservation status:

Not threatened

References:

1 Meagher, D. and Kohout, M. (2001). “A field guide to Wilsons Promontory”. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic.
2 Walsh, N. G. and Entwisle, T. J. “Flora of Victoria”, volumes 2 (1994), 3 (1996) and 4 (1999). Inkata Press, Port Melbourne, Victoria