Endospermum myrmecophilum
Endospermum myrmecophilum | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Endospermum |
Species: | E. myrmecophilum
|
Binomial name | |
Endospermum myrmecophilum L.S.Sm. |
Endospermum myrmecophilum, commonly known as the whitewood, is a dioecious plant that grows in the
It was formerly known as Endospermum medullosum.[2]
Distribution
Endospermum myrmecophilum grows naturally in the tropical islands including New Guinea, Indonesia's Maluku Islands west of New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, and Santa Cruz Islands which are east of New Guinea. The tree is also native to Vanuatu, an island chain southeast of the Solomons and east-northeast of Australia, in Black Jungle Conservation Reserve, Channel Point, Reynolds River and Melville Island in the Northern Territory.[3][4][5]
Habitat and ecology
Endospermum grows in humid lowland tropical climates where the temperature averages 22–28 °C (72–82 °F), with a mean rainfall of 1.5–5.6 metres (60–220 in) annually. The species can grow in a variety of soil including soil that has been deposited by water flow next to rivers. Typically the plant grows in
Growth
The tree can grow up to 2.5–3 metres (8–10 ft) for the first couple of years and it is important the species has enough space to grow to maintain this growth rate. Under optimal conditions the fruits of the plant appear in the first 3–4 years. Endospermum myrmecophilum has limited tolerance to various environmental conditions. These conditions include
Morphology
The tree is generally 20–40 metres (70–130 ft) tall and typically grows no more than 54 metres (180 ft). The
Flowers and fruit
Endospermum myrmecophilum is
The flowers lack petals. The male flowers generally have 5 to 12
Propagation
Endospermum myrmecophilum can be propagated from seeds as well as vegetative cuttings. With seed propagation, seeds should be collected quickly when they mature and planted within a few days. The seeds should be collected when the fruits go from dark green to light green. Usually 9,000 to 9,600 fruits produce 30,000 to 35,000 seeds. The species has low seed viability; therefore it is beneficial to raise the plant from cuttings. These cuttings are usually taken from hedges in misty conditions.[6]
Uses
There are many uses of Endospermum myrmecophilum. The whitewood is commonly used for canoes and can also be used for firewood. However the main use of the wood is for timber. It is highly priced in Japan, where it is widely selected. Whitewood timber is commonly used for furniture, shingles, moldings as well as other decorative purposes in the islands. The whitewood is efficient for such uses since it has even texture and dries fairly quickly.
The immature leaves of this species are often utilized as a vegetable.
The plant also has medicinal uses; in Vanuatu the bark is used to treat rheumatism and is also used to relieve stomachaches, as is the sap of the tree.[6]
Agroforestry
Endospermum myrmecophilum is well known as a soil stabilizer, given how their roots grow close to under the soil. When the leaves deteriorate, they provide organic material for the soil. Additionally, the whitewood provides optimal conditions for plants that grow in shady areas.[6]
References
- . Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Endospermum myrmecophilum L.S.Sm". FloraNT. NT Herbarium. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ^ "Silviculture of whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) in Vanuatu" (PDF). Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 August 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
- ^ Endospermum medullosum L.S.Sm. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ISBN 1-87594185-1.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: date and year (link - ^ a b c d e f g Lex A. J. Thomson (2006). "Endospermum medullosum (whitewood)". In Elevitch, Craig R. (ed.). Traditional trees of pacific islands: Their culture, environment and use. Vol. 24. Permanent Agriculture Resources.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Young, T.P. and V. Perkocha. Treefalls, crown asymmetry, and buttresses. Journal of Ecology 82:319-324
- ^ a b Guerrer, P.C.o, S. A. and Van Welzen(2011). REVISION OF MALESIAN ENDOSPERMUM (EUPHORBIACEAE) WITH NOTES ON PHYLOGENY AND HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY. Edinburgh Journal of Botany, 68, pp 443-482 doi:10.1017/S0960428611000321
This article needs additional or more specific categories. (March 2024) |