Endospermum medullosum

Botanical Description

Endospermum medullosum is a tree with a shallow, flat-topped and umbrella-like crown; it usually grows 20 - 40 metres tall, though specimens up to 54 metres have been recorded. The bole is usually straight and cylindrical, though twisted and kinked or uneven trees occur; it is generally clear of branches for more than half its height, 50 - 100cm in diameter, with buttresses at the base[ 312 Title Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands Publication Author Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor) Publisher Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii Year 2006 ISBN 0970254458 Description Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands. ]. This species is the major commercial timber in Vanuatu, and is also extensively harvested in New Guinea. It is often cultivated as a timber crop in Vanuatu[ 312 Title Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands Publication Author Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor) Publisher Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii Year 2006 ISBN 0970254458 Description Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands. ]. The tree is also harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It can be grown to provide shade and shelter for other crops, to stabilize the soil and also as a pioneer to restore native woodland and establish woodland gardens.