Poikilospermum acuminatum (PROSEA)
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Introduction |
Poikilospermum acuminatum (Trec.) Merr.
- Family: Cecropiaceae
Synonyms
Conocephalus acuminatus Trec., Poikilospermum warburghii (Elmer) Merr.
Vernacular names
- Philippines: anupul, bukol, himbabalud.
Distribution
Endemic to the Philippines.
Uses
The stems are used for tying, and the stem fibres are made into cloth and fishing nets. Potable water is obtained from the cut stems.
Observations
An epiphytic, dioecious woody climber. Leaves spirally arranged; stipules 2.5-5 cm long, persistent; petiole 4-9 cm long; blade ovate to rhombic, 15-25 cm × 7-16 cm, base cuneate, round to cordate, apex acuminate, with 9-11 pairs of lateral veins. Male inflorescence solitary, branched dichotomously 8-9 times, widespread, up to 20 cm across; primary peduncles 2-4 cm long, secondary ones as long or longer; flowers in numerous floral agglomerations (a bit head-like) 2-3 mm in diameter; solitary terminal flowers at the axils of the ultimate dichotomies; flowers sessile, 1-1.25 mm × 0.75-1 mm, with 4 tepals, 4 stamens and a pistillode. Female inflorescence similar to the male inflorescence, but without solitary terminal flowers; flowers sessile, 0.75-1 mm long, with 4 tepals and a pistil. Fruit an achene, 1-2 mm × 0.5-1 mm, with the persistent perianth at the base as a small cup. P. acuminatum is widespread in rain forest and secondary forest, up to 1500 m altitude.
Selected sources
15, 26.
Authors
M. Brink, P.C.M. Jansen & C.H. Bosch
