Octomeles sumatrana

Description

Octomeles sumatrana is an evergreen Tree growing to 50 m (164ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Medicinal Uses

A leaf extract is used to cure stomach-ache.

Distribution

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

Cultivation

A tree of the moist, lowland tropics where it is generally found at elevations below 1,000 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 29 - 34c, but can tolerate 20 - 38c. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 3,000 - 4,000mm, but tolerates 2,000 - 5,000mm. Requires a sunny position. Succeeds in alluvial soils, clays and sandy loams. Prefers a pH in the range 4.5 - 5.5, tolerating 4 - 6.5. Trees can be exceptionally fast growing, with one report of a 4-year old specimen having attained a height of 25 metres and a bole diameter of 47cm. Annual wood production potential is 25 - 40 cubic metres per hectare. Trees are resistant to fire damage. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Seed - it has a fairly short viability and should be sown before it is 12 months old. It does not have a dormancy, and pre-treatment is not necessary. It probably germinates better in a sunny position. Seeds are sown in a nursery seedbed and only just covered, Germination will usually take place within 7 days. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they have 4 leaves and place in semi-shade for one week before returning them to a sunny position. Plant out when 30cm tall.

Other Uses

Dye Pioneer Soil stabilization Wood. Agroforestry Uses: The trees extensive root system binds the soil, making it an ideal plant for stabilizing river banks. The tree is actually a pioneer species in the rainforest, rapidly invading new banks of alluvial soil built up by the rivers, but unable to regenerate once other trees close the canopy below them. Other Uses A dye is obtained from the bark. The heartwood is absent. The wood is light, relatively soft, coarse-textured, brittle and with poor resistance to decomposition. It is only suitable for use under cover where a weak, perishable timber will suffice, being employed to make match boxes, concrete moulds, pallets etc, and for pulp. The colossal stems are, however, suitable for making large canoes.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Ilimo Tree