The Fiji Dragonplum Dracontomelon vitiense Engl. (Anacardiaceae): a locally important but neglected fruit and timber tree endemic to the western Pacific region

Abstract

This article provides an overview over taxonomy, distribution, cultivation and use of the Fiji Dragonplum, Dracontomelon vitiense Engl. The species belongs to the Anacardiaceae family with about 860 species in 83 genera. The majority of its species are distributed in warm subtropical and tropical areas. Among them, there are economically important timber, fruit and nut trees. Species in the genus Dracontomelon are distributed from tropical Asia to the south–western parts of the Pacific. Dracontomelon vitiense is endemic to the western Pacific region, from Santa Cruz Islands (Solomon Islands), Vanuatu, Fiji (including Rotuma), Tonga, Futuna, to Upolu (Samoa). It is a tall canopy tree and occurs predominantly at altitudes from sea level to 200–300 m asl. Dracontomelon vitiense is valued as a locally important, native fruit and timber tree. Although being a wild species, it is often planted in gardens and villages. Its fruits are widely consumed and sold in local markets. Dracontomelon vitiense produces commercially valuable timber, which is used for light constructions, furniture, canoes, wood carving, and as firewood. Dracontomelon vitiense can be considered a neglected tree for the Pacific region, with no active breeding going on. The species retains a large potential for improvement, commercialisation and income generation and as a component in sustainable agroforestry production systems however no figures about its commercial use are available. Ex-situ gene bank accessions of Dracontomelon vitiense are not available. No information exists about the genetic variation of the species. Several lines of future research are suggested.