Pometia pinnata
Pometia pinnata | |
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In flower, Tonga | |
New growth and developing fruit | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Sapindales |
Family: | Sapindaceae |
Genus: | Pometia |
Species: | P. pinnata
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Binomial name | |
Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. and G.Forst.
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The Pometia pinnata is a tropical
Characteristics
The hardwood tree species occurs and grows in a wide variety of habitats and vegetation. The size of the tree varies, ranging from 12–20 metres (39–66 ft) tall with a 10–20 m (33–66 ft) wide canopy.[4] The tree grows an average of 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) per year.[3] Its canopy is made up of lush, evergreen leaves that create wide coverage.[2]
Pometia pinnata is a fruiting and flowering species, and it produces white to green-yellow flowers.[2] The male and female flowers are similar in size and color, so it is hard to differentiate between them.[3] They grow in long stalks, 2–2.5 millimetres (0.08–0.10 in) in length, and produce flowers that can potentially fruit.[2] The fruiting process takes 2–3 months and the fruit is green-yellow when developing. They are under developed when the fruit is tough and fleshy. When it is ripe and edible, the fruit will turn red-black in color, and become softer in texture.[4] The species is also self-pruning, and can reproduce rapidly even in tropical forests.[4]
Habitat and range
Pometia pinnata is a widespread type of timber tree species. The species originated from
Possible benefits and threats
Residents of the Pacific islands benefit from the fruiting tree. They are able to collect the freshly produced fruit from the trees and collect timber for logging and trades.
Mitigation and control
The control and mitigation of the species is fairly easy and straightforward. Papua New Guinea's constitution protects all aspects of wildlife and nature, including Pometia pinnata.[3] In other locations of this species, the trees are protected as well. The species is a major resource to its countries of origin and will be protected as an asset.[3]
References
- ^ Thaman, R. & Thomson, L. (2019). "Pometia pinnata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T136055184A136055188. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d Forst, J.R.; Forst, G. "Pometia pinnata". Flora & Fauna.
- ^ a b c d e f g Piskaut, P.; Damas, K.; Daur, P. "The Status of the Timber Tree: Pometia Pinnata and its Trade in Papua New Guinea". Semantic Scholar.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Thomson, Lex A. J.; Thaman, Randolph R. (April 2006). "Pometia pinnata (tava)" (PDF). Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry.
General references
- Conn, Barry J.; Damas, Kipiro Q. (2006). "PNGTreesKey" (Online, from pngplants.org/PNGtrees/TreeDescriptions/). Guide to Trees of Papua New Guinea. Retrieved 16 Nov 2013.
- Pometia pinnata f. glabra (Blume) Jacobs
- Pometia pinnata J.R.Forster & G.Forster f. pinnata
- Pometia pinnata f. tomentosa (Blume) Jacobs