Евкрифія

The tree belongs to the family Cunoniaceae. It is widespread and common in moister forests in Tasmania, occurring mainly across the western parts of the state. It grows as an understorey plant and prefers wetter climates of 1500-2500 mm annual rainfall. It ranges from 2 to 10 m in height and can sometimes grow to 25 m in favourable conditions. The small leaves are dark green, glossy and elliptical, 2-4 cm long. The white flowers have four petals and resemble small single roses. Flowering is followed by leathery capsules which mature in autumn. The tree produces a fine timber. The name leatherwood probably refers to the toughness of the timber. The species name lucida comes from the Latin for shiny and refers to the glossy leaves. Its conservation status is Least Concern.

The tree's plentiful flowers produce copious amounts of nectar that is favoured by bees. Leatherwood honey is a noted monofloral honey that has been recognised by the international Slow Food movement in its Ark of Taste. The Tasmanian Beekeepers' Association has long had to press the state government to keep beekeepers' access to the leatherwood and to shield the stands from logging.

The major phenolic substance in leatherwood honey is 4-methoxymandelic acid, which is also present in the nectar of E. lucida and so serves as a marker for authenticating the honey.

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