Common Name:

General Information

Falcatifolium papuanum is an evergreen tree growing 6 - 22 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 8 - 40cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is traded along with several related species as 'sempilor' timber[].
Falcatifolium papuanum's extent of occurrence is well beyond the thresholds for a threatened category. Despite logging it is still common in the Morobe District, but it is probably rare in other areas. Given its wide distribution and presence in remote areas it is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australasia - New Guinea

Habitat

Understorey of moist mountain forests. at elevations from 1,500 - 2,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Falcatifolium papuanum can reach the canopy when growing on mountain ridges, but in taller forest on moist slopes it is usually a sub-canopy tree, not exceeding 15 metres in height. On exposed mountain summits this species is sometimes reduced to dwarf size[]..

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood of this species provides good timber and is being logged together with species of Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium and Phyllocladus, between which the timber trade makes no distinction. Its relative rarity and usually small size make it unlikely that it will contribute substantially to that trade[].
The wood of various species of Falcatifolium is traded as 'sempilor' timber. We do not have a specific description for the wood of this species, but the generic description of sempilor timber 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[].

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[].

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