Cynometra ramiflora Linnaeus var. ramiflora
Morphological description
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 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 alt.
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.