Dilenia is a tropical genus, the only Australian species, alata is endemic.

Red Beech - Flowers of the Red Beech (Dillenia alata) - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Sir Joseph Banks recorded it at the Endeavour River during his enforced stay in that area.

It is a medium to large tree common on the coastal lowlands of tropical Queensland. The dark, plum-red bark forms in layers and provides an ideal support for epiphytes.

The large, bright yellow flowers are followed by rose-pink, segmented fruits. Each section may contain as many as eight dark seeds surrounded by a waxy-white aril.