Montrouziera cauliflora

Montrouziera cauliflora Planch. & Triana

Montrouziera cauliflora, known as the giant Houp tree, is a species in the Clusiaceae family, native to New Caledonia. It is one of the largest trees in the region's seasonal tropical forests, reaching up to 30 meters in height and 3 meters in trunk diameter. This tree grows in moist evergreen dense forests at low and medium elevations across various soil types. It is characterized by a straight, slightly conical trunk with horizontal branches and a non-edible fruit. The bark exudes a yellow, sticky resin when damaged and is dark gray or reddish with deep vertical cracks. The species is culturally significant to the Kanak people, who have traditionally used its wood for construction. Habitat loss poses a threat to its survival.

Description

Montrouziera cauliflora is a large tree species native to New Caledonia, found in moist evergreen dense forests at low and medium elevations. It has a straight, slightly conical trunk, up to 30 m tall and 3 m in diameter, with horizontal branches. The bark is dark gray or reddish, with deep vertical cracks, and exudes a yellow, sticky resin when damaged. The tree produces non-edible fruit. The species is culturally significant to the Kanak people, who traditionally used its wood for building. It is threatened by habitat loss. The tree is not found outside New Caledonia.