Serianthes melanesica

Fosberg

Vaivai

Fabaceae Edible: Seeds 2 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A tree. The crown is often spreading. It grows 4-21 m tall. The leaves are twice divided. The leaf size varies. The flowers are pale yellow or white. The fruit are pods that become a velvety rusty brown at maturity. They are 8-12 cm long by 3-4.5 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten.

Traditional Uses

The seeds have been reported as edible.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. In Fiji it grows from sea level to 750 m altitude. It grows in forests but can be on rocky shores and enar mangroves.

Where It Grows

Fiji, Pacific, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu,

Notes

Also as Mimosaceae.

Synonyms

Serianthes myriadenia sensu A. GraySerianthes vitiensis sensu Seem.Serianthes melanesica var. macdanielsii Fosberg

Also Known As

Vaivai ni veikau, Vaivai ni Viti

References (3)

Franklin, J., Keppel, G., & Whistler, W., 2008, The vegetation and flora of Lakeba, Nayau and Aiwa Islands, Central Lau Group, Fiji. Micronesica 40(1/2): 169–225, 2008
GTZ 1996, A Guide to some Indigenous Fijian Trees. GTZ Suva. p 195
Smith, A.C., 1985, Flora Vitiensis Nova, Lawaii, Kuai, Hawaii, Volume 3 p 83