Symplocos gigantifolia
Content
Description
Leaves glabrous, obovate, shortly acuminate, the base cuneate but truncate at its lowermost part, margin ± entire, 21-62 by 7-19 cm;
Flowers in a fascicle or very short spike on wood.
Stamens c. 50.
Ovary with same indument as calyx, c. 1 mm high;
Fruit very young.
Seeds not seen.
Distribution
Asia-Tropical, Central Division present, East New Guinea present, Southern Highlands present, Western District present
Malesia: East New Guinea (Central Division, Southern Highlands and Western District), 3 collections.
Notes
BRASS (3894) noted that it is a 'striking tree with erect branching habit and flowers between the whorls.' In the three collections studied the 'whorled' position of the leaves could not be checked. Possibly the main leaves may be conspicuously crowded at the end of the year's growth (flush).
A similar situation is reported to occur in 5. herzogiiy which is the closest related species, differing in having smaller, hairy leaves, hairy twigs, and larger bracts.
A similar situation is reported to occur in 5. herzogiiy which is the closest related species, differing in having smaller, hairy leaves, hairy twigs, and larger bracts.