What is a cheese tree?

The cheese tree is so named not because it produces or even smells like cheese but because its round, red fruits resemble a round, red wax-wrapped wheel of cheese. This plant has a scientific name of Glochidion ferdinandi, and its natural habitat is localized to the eastern parts of Australia.

Animals such as pigeons and parrots are known to feed on the cheese tree's fruits. Humans also dry the fruits to use them as ingredients for potpourri. Also known as water gum, button wood or pencil cedar, the cheese tree grows in humid forest areas, including Australia's eastern eucalyptus forests.