Identification Characteristics:
A medium-sized tree, reaching a height of 4 – 10 (15) meters with a diameter of 20 – 40 cm. Young branches are covered in golden, shield-shaped scales, becoming smooth with age. Leaves are odd-pinnately compound, with (3)5 – 9 leaflets, arranged alternately or nearly opposite. Leaflets are sickle-shaped or lance-shaped, asymmetrical, with an unevenly rounded base, the lower margin indented by approximately 1 cm, smooth, and leathery, measuring 10 – 20 x 3 – 7 cm. Male inflorescences are in the form of a panicle. Female inflorescences are in the form of a raceme. Flowers are small and spherical. Sepals number 3. Petals number 3; the stamen tube is smooth, slightly toothed at the apex; anthers 6 – 8, oval-shaped, attached within the stamen tube, not protruding outwards. Ovary with 3 locules. Fruits are spherical or nearly spherical, 3-loculed, with a diameter of 5 – 6 cm. Seeds have a red aril, measuring 4 – 5 x 2 – 2.5 cm. Cotyledons are thick.
Biology and Ecology:
Flowering occurs from February to March, with fruiting from July to August. It grows along tidal creeks in the southern provinces.
Distribution:
- Within Vietnam: Provinces of the Southeast region.
- Worldwide: India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Value:
A rare species in Vietnam. The reddish-brown wood is used for making household items.
Conservation Status:
This species is at risk of extinction due to exploitation and habitat loss of at least 20% within the next 5 – 10 years.
IUCN Red List Category:
VU A1c,d+2d (Vulnerable).
Conservation Measures:
It is recommended to cultivate the species in several botanical gardens within regions that have similar ecological conditions to protect the gene pool.