This species is sometimes considered to be no more than a montane form of Elaeocarpus angustifolius - there are intermediate forms linking the two in the elevation range 1,200 - 2,800 metres though they are few compared with the totals of each species[].

Common Name:

General Information

Elaeocarpus ptilanthus is an evergreen tree with a dense, umbrella-shaped crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole an be free of branches for 8 - 10 metres, up to 75cm in diameter, often with buttresses[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is traded.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australasia - New Guinea.

Habitat

A canopy tree in montane forest, where it is often the dominant species; at elevations from 2,300 - 2,800 metres, sometimes descending to 1,700 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have no specific information for this species, but members of this genus generally grow well in full sun to moderate shade, requiring a fertile, moist but well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A commercial hardwood[].
We have no more information on the specific properties of the wood of this species, however the following is a general description of the wood from this genus:-
The heartwood is light-yellowish white to pink-brown, it is not distinctly demarcated from the sapwood. The texture is moderately fine and even, with straight to shallowly interlocked grain. The wood is soft to moderately hard; light in weight to moderately heavy; weak; not very durable. It seasons fairly slowly with slight end and surface checking; shrinkage is fairly low. It is easy to resaw and cross-cut; planing is easy and leaves a moderately smooth finish; nailing properties are good. A general purpose wood, it is suitable for purposes such as general planking, shuttering, boxes, crates, wooden pallets, match splints, veneer and plywood[].

Propagation

The seed of most species in this genus is covered by a hard, woody shell and can be very slow and erratic to germinate, sometimes taking 2 years or more. Filing down the shell, or cracking it (being very careful not to damage the seed) in order to allow the ingress of moisture can help to greatly speed up germination. Sow the seed in containers in light shade. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out,
Cuttings of almost ripe shoots, in a sandy soil in a frame. The leaves should be left on the stem.[, ]. Many species strike readily from cuttings.

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