| Garcinia sessilis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Clusiaceae |
| Genus: | Garcinia |
| Species: | G. sessilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Garcinia sessilis | |
Garcinia sessilis, commonly known as heilala in Tongan, is an evergreen tree native to the Pacific regions of Tonga. [1] The heilala flower is the national flower of Tonga. [2] [3]
Garcinia sessilis, which can also be known as heilala in Tonga or seilala in Samoa, [4] can grow anywhere from 4 to 20 meters tall and can have a bole up to 30 cm in diameter. [5] This species belongs to the genus of Garcinia, which is native to regions of Asia, America, Australia, Africa, and Polynesia. G. sessilis is a fruiting plant native to various islands in the Pacific: Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. The tree produces flowers that range in color from pale yellow or pink tinged, to a coral red or carmine, and the fruits range from a yellowish white to red at maturity. [5] It can have many uses, ranging from medicine and food, to creating material objects from various parts of the tree. In Tonga, G. sessilis is an ornamental plant, seen as both sacred and representing royalty. [6]
Garcinia sessilis is native to the Pacific, specifically on the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. Here, the plant grows in a multitude of varying habitats, ranging from both wet and dry forests, on the edges of mangrove swamps, in open thickets, as well as dense or dry forests. [5] It grows from sea level up to around 1,150 meters. It does not appear to be at any significant risk, being classified as “Least Concerning” by the IUCN Red List of threatened species. [6]
Garcinia sessilis has a variety of uses across the islands that it inhabits. Probably the most obvious use could come from the fruit, which is edible. The fruit is identifiable as a red, obovoid around 4 centimeters long, and can be eaten raw. [6] Along with being edible, it also has various medical uses. Crushing the leaves in some water creates an eye wash used for various eye related problems. The bark of the plant can also be used medicinally. [6] The flowers of the tree can be used to scent coconut oil or are commonly turned into necklaces. Wood is also used from the tree, which is used to build homes on its native islands. Local people seemingly use all parts of this plant, leaving none to waste as everything has a use. [6]
Garcinia sessilis has become a largely important plant in Tonga. Planted as ornamental, the Tonga revear the species as sacred, and is used as a symbol of royalty. [3] Tonga also made their national flower the Red-Blossomed Heilala and have a festival celebrating it on the fourth of July. [7]