Author: Linnaeus
Cynometra ramiflora Linnaeus var. ramiflora
Morphological description (ramiflora Cynometra compl FT10)
Tree 4-26 m tall.
Leaves 1- and/or 2-jugate, rarely 2-jugate only; petiole 3-15 mm, rachis 15-40 mm, both sometimes patent-hairy, glabrescent, or glabrous; petiolules indistinct. Leaflets ovate, ovate-oblong, oblong, elliptic, lanceolate, rarely orbicular, (1.2-)4.5-6.5(-20) by (0.5-)2.5-3.5(-7) cm; apex acute or acuminate; nerves (4-)8-16 pairs.
Inflorescence: rachis 1.3-2.5 cm, usually glabrescent, sometimes glabrous; bracteoles 3-4 mm long, inserted at or near the base of the pedicel; pedicels 7-15 mm, densely patent-hairy or pubescent, sometimes glabrescent or glabrous.
Flower: Hypanthium 1-1.25 mm deep. Sepals 4-6 mm long, usually with a few hairs near the tip, sometimes hairy all over, sometimes glabrous. Petals 5-8 mm long, lanceolate, sometimes with a small mucro. Stamens 10 (once found 11, 13, and 15, respectively). Ovary densely, often curly hairy, 1(or 2)-ovuled; stipe 1 mm; style 4-5.5 mm, with a few hairs up to halfway.
Fruits (ramiflora Cynom pod/lf 428825 ) broad-ovoid or -ellipsoid, the tip pointing up, thick-woody, deeply rugose, shortly brown, scurfy, 2.2-5 by 1.3-4 cm.
Distribution
From India throughout SE Asia and Malesia to the Pacific, not in Sri Lanka and Australia.
Habitat
In the back-mangrove forest; also occurring inland up to 400 m altitude
Uses
The dark brown timber is heavy and hard but not very durable. It is only available in small quantity and is used in construction.
Cynometra ramiflora var. bifoliolata (Merrill) Knaap-van Meeuwen
Description
Leaves: Petiolules distinct, 5-8 mm.
Distribution
Malesia : Philippines (Luzon, Mindanao).
Habitat
On river banks, at low altitude.