Flueggea flexuosa
Müll.Arg.
Phyllanthaceae
Acidoton flexuosus (Müll.Arg.) Kuntze
Phyllanthus acuminatissimus C.B.Rob.
Securinega acuminatissima (C.B.Rob.) C.B.Rob.
Securinega flexuosa (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg.
Securinega samoana Croizat
Common Name:
General Information
Flueggea flexuosa is a deciduous, dioecious shrub or small or rarely medium-sized tree with a compact crown; it can grow up to 10 metres, exceptionally to 30 metres tall[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. The bole is often irregular, branchless for up to 6 metres, up to 30cm in diameter, sometimes with indistinct buttresses[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
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- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].
Within its native range, the tree is extensively planted in gardens and homesteads to provide timber, shade, wind protection etc[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Rates of habitat loss through logging and shifting cultivation have led to considerable population declines. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
Range
Southeast Asia - Philippines, New Guinea, through the Pacific to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Habitat
Primary forest at low altitudes and in dense shrub savannah. It is often a pioneer, growing in river floodplains, fallowed fields and abandoned coconut plantations[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
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-
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- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
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- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].
Properties
Weed Potential | Yes |
Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
Medicinal Rating | |
Other Uses Rating | |
Habit | Deciduous Tree |
Height | 10.00 m |
Pollinators | Bees |
Self-fertile | No |
Cultivation Status | Cultivated, Wild |
Cultivation Details
A plant of the lowland, humid tropics, where it is found at elevations from sea level up to 900 metres]303]. It grows in areas where the mean maximum temperature is 26 - 32°c and the minimum temperature tolerated is 12°c[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
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- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
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- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
]. The mean annual rainfall is in the range 1,500 - 5,000mm[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
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-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
], usually distributed throughout the year, but the plant also tolerates a dry season of up to 4 months[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]..
Requires a sunny position[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
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- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
]. Succeeds in a wide range of soils including coralline, red clay, poorly drained, and coastal soils[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. Plants can tolerate a small amount of salt spray and are moderately wind resistant[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. Established plants are somewhat drought tolerant[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
The plant is potentially invasive outside of its natural range, though it appears to have very limited potential to become abundant or a problem in little-disturbed native forest communities or on farmlands[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
On good sites, the plant can grow more than 1.5 metres per year for the first 5 - 10 years, then less than 0.75 metres per year[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Plants can commence flowering when 2 - 3 years old[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. In some areas, such as Samoa, the plant flowers all year round[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
From the age of about 3 - 4 years, the plant demonstrates good self-pruning characteristics[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. The
lower branches are progressively shaded out, dying, and eventually being shed[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Trees can be a bit reluctant to resprout after coppicing. If the trunk is cut 1 metre above ground level, then plants up to the age of 10 years usually resprout successfully[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Mature trees might survive low-intensity ground fires, but generally this species does not grow back after fire[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
The rasped bark is applied medicinally in a fever-reducing drink[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
The shredded root is used medicinally[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Agroforestry Uses:
A pioneer species, it plays an important environmental role in revegetation of various types of disturbed sites[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. It appears to be useful for stabilizing the soil[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
The trees provide a windbreak and shelter for adjacent crops. They also minimize the growth of weeds and need for cutting[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. It makes an excellent narrow, low windbreak, especially younger trees with more dense foliage, up to about 10 years of age[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
It has been used to provide early shade for both canarium nut and rattan, as well as quicker economic returns while the longer-maturing crops are developing[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. It has potential as a shade tree for cacao, particularly because it can assist in pest control[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Other Uses
Leaves of the red-veined form are used to stain Pandanus leaves a charcoal colour[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
The purple juice from the fruit is used as a dye[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
The heartwood is pale yellowish brown or reddish brown, and sometimes hardly distinguishable from the pale sapwood, which is present as a 1 - 3 cm wide band. The grain is straight and the texture moderately fine[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. The wood is heavy, very hard and strong, resistant to drywood termites and fungi, and very well suited for service in ground contact[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. The timber is easily worked. The wood is locally highly valued for house and fence posts, and additionally used for joists, rafters and tool handles, bridges, and marine piles[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
The wood makes an excellent, hot-burning fuel[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Propagation
Seed - ripe fruits should be soaked in water overnight and then depulped by rubbing and washing over a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulpy material[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. The seed does not require pre-treatment - it should be sown in a potting compost and covered by about 1 - 2 mm of the compost[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. The first seeds should germinate within 2 - 5 weeks[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. The tiny seedlings grow very rapidly and can be transplanted into final nursery pots at the two- or four-leaf stage (about 10 days after germination)[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
]. Seedlings prefer a position in full sun[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Under normal growing conditions, the seedlings are ready to plant out in 16 - 20 weeks. The ideal seedling height for
outplanting is about 25 cm[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].
Seeds are orthodox, i.e., they retain viability when dried and stored. They may be kept for many years in airtight
containers under refrigeration at 4°c[
312- Title
- Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands
- Publication
-
- Author
- Elevitch. Craig. R. (Editor)
- Publisher
- Permanent Agriculture Resources, Hawaii
- Year
- 2006
- ISBN
- 0970254458
- Description
- Beautifully produced book with superb photos and detailed information on over 50 species of useful plants of the Pacific Islands.
].