Common Name:

General Information

Vitex cofassus is a medium to large, deciduous tree growing up to 40 metres tall. The cylindrical bole can be up to 18 metres long, is usually without buttresses in one report, though buttresses can be up to 6 metres high in another, though it is deeply and strongly fluted. It can range from 30 - 170cm in diameter[, , ].
The wood, often traded as 'New Guinea Teak' is a much sought after and useful hardwood, it is exported in fairly large amounts from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, mainly to Japan[].
Vitex cofassus has a very wide distribution and large population. The species is used for timber but this is not currently considered a a major threat. The species is also in a region with high forest conversion, which may affect the species on a minor, local level. These threats are not considered to be causing or predicted to cause significant decline in the future. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia to Papua New Guinea

Habitat

A canopy tree, locally co-dominant in lowland forest, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects, ?Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Vitex cofassus is a plant mainly of the lowland moist tropics, though it can also be found at elevations up to 2,000 metres[]. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature is 22 - 28°c, the mean annual rainfall is in the range 1,500 - 3,500mm, and there are distinct wet and dry seasons[, ].
Requires a sunny position[]. Grows well on dry limestone soils with clay to sandy soil textures[].
Young trees grow moderately slowly[].
Trees can commence flowering and setting seed when around 5 years old[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is planted in shelterbelts[].

Other Uses

The wood is very strong and durable[]. When freshly cut it has a leathery scent[]. An excellent pale and dense, highly valued timber, it is used for house construction, boats, musical instruments and domestics utensils such as bowls and platters[].

Propagation

Seed - best stored dry in airtight containers, when it should remain viable for at least a year[]. Untreated, fresh seed usually has a germination rate of around 30%, this can be increased to around 70% if the seed is first soaked for 10 minutes in hot water at 70°c and then allowed to soak for 24 hours in warm water before sowing[]. Sow the seeds in a nursery seedbed, covering with about 1cm of soil[]. Germination usually takes 10 - 40 days. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 3 - 4 months later[].

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