Common Name:

General Information

Dacrydium nausoriense is an evergreen tree that can grow 12 - 24 metres tall[].
Highly valued for its timber that is harvested from the wild for local and commercial use. The young tree is also used as a Christmas tree[].
Dacrydium nausoriense is a valuable timber species in Fiji that has been heavily exploited. It has a very restricted distribution and the estimated area of occupancy is well within the threshold for Endangered. It is known from two locations and there is a continuing decline at least in the extent of occurrence, the quality of habitat and the number of mature individuals. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Pacific - Fiji

Habitat

Mesic upland forest, often associated with regrowth in logged forest, abandoned garden sites or the margins of forest with anthropogenic grassland; at elevations above 400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Dacrydium nausoriense grows wild in areas where the mean annual temperature is 23.0°c, with an average minimum in the coldest month of 18.5°c. The rainfall is less than 2,500mm per year with a distinct dry season of 4 - 5 months according to one report[], whilst another says that the mean annual precipitation is 2,624 mm[].

Reported to be slow growing, especially when young[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Highly valued for timber that is used for furniture, general construction and carpentry[, ].
The wood of the various Dacrydium species is jointly known as 'sempilor'. The basic description is as follows:-
The heartwood is buff in colour, sometimes with a pink tinge or golden brown; it is not differentiated from the sapwood. The texture is very fine and even; the grain straight. The wood is reputed to be weak; it is light to moderately heavy in weight; it is not durable and is subject to drywood termite attacks. It seasons well without serious degrade; shrinkage is very high; a slight to moderate twisting may occasionally occur. The wood works very easily; it produces a smooth and somewhat lustrous surface; gluing, nailing and peeling properties are satisfactory. A softwood, it should be suitable for decorative works and can be used for panelling, partitioning, veneers, plywood, joinery and furniture making[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is lesser, 17 or 71?