| Vavaea amicorum | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Meliaceae |
| Genus: | Vavaea |
| Species: | V. amicorum |
| Binomial name | |
| Vavaea amicorum | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
List
| |
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. [3]
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. [3]
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. [1] Its habitat is in forests, to elevations of 1,150 m (3,800 ft). [3] The species is present in protected areas such as Nadarivatu Forest Reserve in Fiji. [1]
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). [3]
