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Gymnostoma sumatranum

(Jungh. ex de Vriese) L. A. S. Johnson

Ru

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(c) Yusran E. Ritonga, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Yusran E. Ritonga

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Gymnostoma sumatranum is a tree in the she-oak family, Casuarinaceae, native to Southeast Asia and the Malesia region.

Description

A tree. It grows 5-10 m tall.

This description is brief — help expand it

Distribution

Southeastern Asia - Indonesia in Sumatra.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore,

Cultivation

Grows naturally on podsols - these are nutrient poor soils consisting of a leached clay underneath a layer of organic material comprising mainly acid leaf fall from conifers. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Other Uses

The wood is extremely hard, very heavy, tough and durable. It is used for the handles of tools but is rarely used because supplies are limited. It is used as a fuel and also yields excellent charcoal.

Synonyms

Casuarina sumatrana Jungh. ex de Vriese

References (1)

  • World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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