Common Name: Tulip

General Information

Tulip is an evergreen tree growing 15 - 20 metres tall[].
The plant is gathered from the wild for local use as a food and fibre plant[].
The habitat of this plant is threatened by logging, road construction, shifting cultivation and agricultural expansion especially in lowland areas. It is relatively widespread, ranging from New Guinea to Bismarck and Solomon Islands. It is fairly well represented in terms of specimen records and occurs in areas, where large intact forests still exist. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Pacific - New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Habitat

Rain forests at elevations up to 1,350 metres[]. It is common on ridge tops, along or near river banks and also in secondary or disturbed forest. It does not occur in swamps or in areas with a high water table[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,350 metres[]. Areas experiencing both wet and dry seasons seem to be ideal for the species[].
Species in this genus usually prefer a position in light to deep shade, growing best in a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Fruits, often with the leaves and inflorescences (both male and female), are boiled with other vegetables together in one pot and served[]. The fruits require a longer time to boil than those of G. gnemon in order to remove the bitter taste[]. Coconut milk is normally added to improve the taste[]. The kernels, leaves and inflorescences are nutritious since they contain 40 - 45% starch and 8 - 10% protein[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The inner bark provides a fibre which is used for making string bags known as 'bilum'[].

The wood is of no commercial value[].

Propagation

Seed -

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