Kalappia celebica

Primary tabs

Kalappia celebica

Description

Tall tree up to 40 m high and 90 cm in diam.; buttresses up to 3 m high, 2 m extending outward over the ground, 20 cm thick. Leaves: petiole and rachis 6.5-12.5 cm, puberulous. Inflorescences sometimes branched near the base and appearing fasciculate (2 or 3 in an axil), 5-10(-15) cm long, shortly appressed-hairy, glabrescent; bracts and bracteoles ovate, 2-2.5 mm long; pedicels 2-6 mm. Flowers (orange-)yel- low. Petals 5, obovate or oblanceolate, 7-11 by 2-6 mm, gradually narrowed from upper 1/3 towards the claw-like base, rather thin, with 1 distinct mid-vein and 5 or more lateral, straight veins, obliquely ascending upward, more or less fan-shaped, and branched near the margin. Stamens: fertile anthers 1.75-2 mm long; filaments 4.5-7 mm; staminodes up to 3(-5) mm. Seeds shortly reniform, 10- 11 by 13-15 mm, smooth.

Distribution

Asia-Tropical, Celebes, only found around Malili (N Gulf of Bone) present
Malesia: Celebes, only found around Malili (N Gulf of Bone).

Uses

Locally a valuable timber tree, known as 'kalapi' and in high esteem for shipbuilding and construction of bridges. It is also sawn into boards and stiles; a variety with a beautiful grain pattern is much sought after for cabinet work (fide Kostermans, I.e.).