Vavaea amicorum

Vavaea amicorum is a tree in the family Meliaceae. The specific epithet amicorum means "of friends" and refers to the Friendly Islands (Tonga), a part of the species' native distribution.

Description

Vavaea amicorum grows as a small tree, occasionally to 30 metres (100 ft) tall, with a bole diameter of up to 30 cm (12 in). Its smooth bark is brown, with lenticels. The leaves are obovate to oblanceolate and measure up to 22 cm (9 in) long. The roundish fruits are purplish black.

Distribution and habitat

Vavaea amicorum is native to maritime Southeast Asia from Sumatra east to New Guinea. It is also native to tropical Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu. Its habitat is in forests, to elevations of 1,150 m (3,800 ft). The species is present in protected areas such as Nadarivatu Forest Reserve in Fiji.

Uses

The wood is locally used in construction and for furniture in New Guinea and the Philippines. The wood is used as incense in Sabah (Borneo).

References