Achras octodecemfida Stokes

A medium-sized tree, up to 25 m tall, often with gnarled and low-branched bole, sometimes columnar, up to 100 cm in diameter. Leaves clustered at apex of twigs, silky white velvety beneath. Flower buds ovoid, pedicels not incrassate, curved and long, calyx up to 7 mm long, ovary with distinct glabrous disk. Fruit ovoid or obovoid, up to 3.7 cm long. Seedling of M. kauki with epigeal germination; hypocotyl erect and straight; cotyledons shortly petiolate; leaves arranged spirally; latex present. The architecture of the tree is according to Aubreville's model.

Flowering and fruiting of M. kauki is reported to occur throughout the year in Indonesia, differing per region. In Bali, ripe fruits are found from April to July.

M. kauki grows especially on regosols; it prefers sandy loam soils, often at banks of small seasonal streams and on coral beaches.

M. kauki usually grows in coastal regions with a comparatively dry climate. M. kauki grows especially on regosols; it prefers sandy loam soils, often at banks of small seasonal streams and on coral beaches, and is commonly associated with Drypetes spp., Eugenia spp., Schoutenia ovata Korth., Pterospermum diversifolium Blume, Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre and Diospyros maritima Blume.

Seeds should be sown in the shade. Germination starts 2.5-5 weeks after sowing. Experiments showed that the position of the seed in the soil is important for successful germination. Germination occurs most rapidly when the longitudinal axis of the seed is in a horizontal position. When seeds are soaked in an ethephon or chlormequat chloride solution for 24 hours, 55-66% of the seeds germinate.

Seedlings of M. kauki are transplanted into the field when they are about 45 cm tall. Experiments with M. kauki seedlings showed that growth is promoted by applying 50 mg per kg potting medium of NPK fertilizer. Seedlings of M. kauki are planted into the field at spacings of 2 m x 1 m. Plantations tend to become very dense after about 8 years, and thinning is then necessary.

Ornamental: The trees are planted as fruit trees and ornamentals, often near palaces and temples. Other services: This species is used as rootstock for sapodilla (Manilkara zapota).

Food: The fruits are edible but without much flavour. Medicine: Flowers and seeds are used medicinally. Timber: The timber is used for construction and particularly for furniture and carving; it is also used for turnery and mills. The wood of M. kauki has a good reputation in Indonesia for use in furniture and fine carving (particularly in Bali).