Endospermum myrmecophilum
L. S. Sm.
Moon tree, Toywood
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Summary
Source: WikipediaEndospermum myrmecophilum, commonly known as the whitewood, is a dioecious species of flowering plant that grows in tropical islands of Asia and Oceania. It grows in tropical humid climates. The species is well known for timber. It was formerly known as Endospermum medullosum.
Description
The stems have orange-yellow speckles. The leaves are large and 10-35 cm long. They are heart shaped. There are a few flowers on a short flower stalk. The flowers are 3 mm across. The fruit are 10 mm long by 8 mm wide.
Medicinal Uses
There are many uses of Endospermum myrmecophilum. The whitewood is commonly used for canoes and can also be used for firewood. However the main use of the wood is for timber. It is highly priced in Japan, where it is widely selected. Whitewood timber is commonly used for furniture, shingles, moldings as well as other decorative purposes in the islands. The whitewood is efficient for such uses since it has even texture and dries fairly quickly. The immature leaves of this species are often utilized as a vegetable. The plant also has medicinal uses; in Vanuatu the bark is used to treat rheumatism and is also used to relieve stomachaches, as is the sap of the tree.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in the rainforest up to 150 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Australia, Papua New Guinea, PNG,
Synonyms
Also Known As
Eladina, Sisib-koiru
