Phoebe Nees

Timothy M. A. Utteridge and Laura V. S. Jennings (2022). Trees of New Guinea. Kew Publishing. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Distribution

A genus of about 100 species from tropical and subtropical Asia. In New Guinea only one species is recorded (Phoebe forbesii Gamble); it is absent from the Solomon Islands.

Morphology General Habit

Trees, 10–30 m tall; terminal scales generally absent

Morphology Leaves

Leaves alternate, pinnately veined

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences paniculate, with lateral flowers strictly oppositely organised

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers bisexual; tepals 6, equal in size or outer ones sometimes slightly shorter, becoming leathery or woody after flowering; fertile stamens 9(–6), in 3 whorls, first and second whorls without glands, third whorl (sometimes sterile) with 2 glands, anthers 4-celled, introrse (in first and second whorls) or extrorse (third whorl); staminodes triangular or sagittate; ovary ovoid or globose; stigma dish-shaped or capitate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit ovoid, ellipsoid, or globose, rarely oblong, base surrounded by persistent and enlarged perianth lobes; fruiting pedicel red when mature, not thickened.

Ecology

Found growing in primary and secondary rain forests from sea level to 1200 m.

Recognition

Species of this genus can be recognised by having leaves that cluster at the apex of the twigs, without having scales or clusters of scars along the branches and by having appressed persistent tepals at the base of the fruits.