Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry April 2006

ver. 2.1
www.traditionaltree.org

Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli)

Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)

mamafua (Solomon Islands); namamau (Vanuatu); pou (Rotuma, Fiji); poumuli (Samoa, Tonga, ‘Uvea); poutea
(Futuna)
Lex A. J. Thomson
photo: T. Pouli

Stand of planted poumuli trees, Samoa.

In brief Growth rate  On good sites, greater than 1.5 m/yr (5 ft/yr)
Distribution  The natural range extends from the Philip- for first 5–10 years, then less than 0.75 m/yr (2.5 ft/yr).
pines to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu; introduced into Main agroforestry uses  Mixed-species woodlot, wind-
several Pacific islands, most notably Samoa. break, homegarden.

Size  Typically 10–16 m (33–52 ft) tall at maturity. Main products  Timber, fuelwood, traditional medicine.
Yields  Wood yields are estimated to be about 4–6 m3/ha/yr
Habitat  Lowland, humid tropics, 0–350 m (0–1150 ft),
(57–86 ft3/ac/yr).
mean annual temperatures of 22–28°C (72–82°F), annual
rainfall of 1500–5000 mm (60–200 in), uniform. Intercropping  Commonly planted with a wide variety of
other species in fields and homegardens.
Vegetation  Plays an important environmental role in re-
Invasive potential  While it is potentially invasive outside
vegetation of various types of disturbed sites.
of its natural range, it appears to have very limited potential
Soils  Wide range of soils including coralline, red clay, to become abundant or a problem in little-disturbed native
poorly drained, and coastal soils. forest communities or on farmlands.
INTRODUCTION
Poumuli (Flueggea flexuosa) is a small to me-
dium tree typically 10–16 m (33–52 ft) tall. It
occurs naturally in the Philippines, eastern
Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and north-
ern Vanuatu. It occurs in primary forest and
dense shrublands at low altitudes, and it is of-
ten a pioneer species in river floodplains, fallow
fields, and abandoned coconut plantations. In
the Solomon Islands the tree has a restricted
habitat in lowland coastal forests on coralline
soils and beside rivers on poorly drained sites.
It is considered a recent introduction in many
parts of the South Pacific and is being increas-
ingly planted in central/southern Vanuatu, New
Caledonia, Fiji, Rotuma, Wallis and Futuna,
Tonga, and Samoa. In these countries poumuli
may infrequently and lightly colonize disturbed
sites adjacent to where it is planted.
Poumuli is traditionally an important source of
durable, round timber throughout its natural
range. A major attraction for re-planting is its
production of naturally durable logs on short
rotations, e.g., 6–7 years for fenceposts and 12–15
years for construction poles. The species is well
suited for planting in various agroforestry sys-
tems including boundary plantings for property
demarcation, planted fallows, and in plantations
mixed with other tree and food crops. In Vanu-
atu and the Solomon Islands, poumuli is con-
sidered by villagers to be a good candidate for
agroforestry initiatives for small-scale planta-
tions and community forestry. In the Solomon
Islands, the tree has potential as a tree crop in a
canarium nut/rattan (Canarium indicum/Cala-
mus spp.) farming system. It is also being evalu-
ated in agroforestry trials, together with kava
Top: Poumuli is often planted along roads and farm boundaries in Samoa.
and vanilla, in Tonga. The species may have a Bottom: Seedlings (at lower left) are often planted in mixed-crop areas,
role as a nurse or intercrop for other valuable, as here, together with breadfruit, banana, taro, and coconut. photos: C.
long-rotation timber species, such as white- Elevitch
wood (Endospermum medullosum) and mahog-
any (Swietenia macrophylla), or as a shade tree to be sought out and utilized for timber by local human
for cacao (Theobroma cacao). As a locally common lowland populations.
pioneer species, the tree plays an important environmental
role in revegetation of disturbed sites.
A possible disadvantage is that it has some potential to DISTRIBUTION
become an environmental weed. However, field observa-
tions suggest that the species appears to have only a very Native range
limited ability to invade undisturbed and more closed for- The natural range of poumuli extends from the Philippines
est types and farmed lands, and these few trees are likely through eastern Indonesia to the Solomon Islands and
Vanuatu (absent from PNG). In Indonesia the species has

  Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli) 

been only rarely recorded, having been found on Mangole Casearia disticha sensu Setchell, non A. Gray.
Island in the Sulu group and Vogelkop Peninsula in Irian
Jaya. It is widespread in the Solomon Islands, including Common names
Shortlands, New Georgia group, Choiseul, Isabel, Gua- Solomon Islands
dalcanal, Malaita, Ulawa, San Cristobal, Santa Ana, and
Santa Cruz group (Chaplin 1993). The precise southern mamufu’a (Kwara‘ae, Kwaio, To‘oabita; Malaita)
limit of it natural range is unknown but is thought to be mamafua (Kwaio, To‘oabaita, Santa Ana, Kahua)
the southeast Solomons (Santa Cruz islands) or northern mamahuana (Shortlands)
Vanuatu (Banks Group). mamahua (Ulawa; Kahua, San Cristobal)
mavua (Nginia, Guadalcanal; Bugotu, Santa Isabel)
Current distribution mavuana (Roviana, Marovo, Kusage in New Georgia
Group)
In Vanuatu the range has been extended by planting in re- urama (Varisi, Choiseul)
cent times, and the tree now occurs from the Banks group, uraka, vuraka (Choiseul)
Espiritu Santo, Malo, Maewo, Pentecost, Epi, and Paama nyia punabe (Ayiwo)
through to Erromango (Wheatley 1992, Siwatibau et al. nganimau, nonimua (Santa Cruz group)
1998). Poumuli is considered to be either an ancient, usually pomou (Vaiakau)
Polynesian, or quite modern introduction in many parts
of the South Pacific, including central/southern Vanuatu, Vanuatu
New Caledonia, Fiji (Rotuma, Viti Levu, and Ovalau), namamau (Bislama language)
Wallis and Futuna, Tonga, and Samoa (Airy Shaw 1980, nemema (Loh, Torres Islands)
Smith 1981). The origin of poumuli in Samoa has been the womomo (Vanua Lava, Banks Islands)
subject of speculation. This species was not recorded as be- mamou (Gaua, Banks Islands)
ing in Samoa in the late 1800s in old German lists of useful mamava, momova (Maewo)
plants of Samoa. It is uncommonly found in indigenous memewa, malaus, nvokor, nvakor, nvacur (Santo)
Samoan forests, being restricted mostly to areas around vumamau (Malo)
human settlements. Poumuli is the most favored timber for namalau (Malekula)
posts used in traditional Samoan houses or meeting places neinyelongi (Ipota, Erromango)
(fale) and it is widely planted around homes and along
Polynesia (introduced)
boundary lines. Given that it is the most popular house
post in Shortlands and Choiseul, together with the fact poumuli (Samoa, Tonga, ‘Uvea)
that Shortlands, Choiseul, and Samoa were under German poutea (Futuna)
administration during the past century, one can speculate pou (Rotuma, Fiji)
that seeds from either Shortlands, Choiseul, or other for- Other regions
mer German territories near Shortlands (e.g., Bougainville anislag (Philippines: Filipino)
and New Britain) were taken to Samoa and planted for katamangan (Philippines: Manobo)
production of durable round timber. The carriers of these malagau (Philippines: Butuan)
seeds could possibly have been Samoan missionaries or co-
lonial German agriculturalists or administrators. Size
Poumuli is a small to medium-sized tree, 10–16 m (33–52 ft)
tall, very rarely attaining 25–30 m (82–98 ft). Mature speci-
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION mens typically attain a diameter at breast height (dbh) of
about 20–30 cm (8–12 in), up to a maximum of 50 cm (20
Preferred scientific name
in).
Flueggea flexuosa Muell.-Arg.
Typical form
Family
In younger specimens the crown is narrowly columnar to
Euphorbiaceae (spurge family) conical with many small straight, radiating, horizontal
branches. Older trees typically have straight, clear boles
Non-preferred scientific names for up to 6 m (20 ft), sometimes with indistinct buttresses.
Securinega flexuosa (Muell. Arg.) Muell. Arg. With age, branching develops a less regular appearance,
Securinega samoana Croizat.

Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry (www.traditionaltree.org)  

and the canopy may exhibit an oblong or more spreading
form.

Flowers
Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees (dioe-
cious). The masses of small, light greenish-yellow flowers
are arranged in short axillary clusters all along the twigs.
Both male and female flowers have 5 sepals but no pet-
als. Male flowers have 3–5 stamens, a disk composed of 5
glands, and a sterile pistillode, while female flowers have
an annular, crenate disk and a globular, superior ovary.

Leaves
Leaves are simple, alternate, oblong-elliptic, with a rounded
or tapered base and prominent, pointed, often recurved tip,
shiny dark green above and light green below, 8–14 (–18)
x 3–5 (–8) cm (3.1–5.5 [–7.1] x 1.2–2 [–3.1] in). Young leaves
are light green. Venation consists of a midvein with 5–7
pairs of side veins, curving forward steeply and almost or
just meeting well inside the margin. Petioles are 5–10 mm
(0.2–0.4 in) long and may be either red or green (Wheatley
1992, Siwatibau 1998).

Fruit
Fruits are small, globose berries, 3–5 mm (0.12–0.2 in) in
diameter, which ripen from light green, through reddish-
green to dark purple-black at full maturity (Wheatley 1992,
Foliga and Blaffart 1995, van Welzen 1998). There are 3000–
8000 fruits per kg (1350–3600 fruits/lb). Poumuli plants Top: Flowering twig (male plant). Bottom: Ripe fruits on
commence fruiting from age 2–3 years onwards. twig (female plant). photos: T. Pouli

Seeds • simple, elliptic light green leaves, with red petioles in

There are 4–6 angular seeds about 1 mm (0.04 in) long in seedlings
each fruit. There are about 300,000 seeds per kg (136,000 • small whitish flowers and fleshy reddish berries (in
seeds/lb) (Chaplin 1993). female trees) borne in axillary clusters all along the
twigs.
Rooting habit It is distinguished from Glochidion species (which are also
Trees have a well developed, near-surface, lateral root sys- in the family Euphorbiaceae) by:
tem. • the presence of a sterile pistillode (ovary, style,
stigma) in male flowers
Similar or look-a-like species • its fleshy fruits (compared with capsular in
Poumuli is a distinctive plant species at all stages of growth. Glochidion).
It may be confused with Glochidion, e.g., in Vanuatu (red
namamau), Fiji (molau), and Samoa (masame).
GENETICS
Key characteristics of poumuli include:
• straight trunk and narrow crown, with tiered layers Variability of species
of thin horizontal branches in young plantation The species is expected to have considerable intra-specific
specimens variation given its extensive and disjunct natural distribu-
• longitudinally shallowly, furrowed, light brown-gray tion. In Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, two morpho-
bark

  Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli) 

logical types can be distinguished based on the color of Minimum temperature tolerated
the petiole and the veins on the underside of the leaves 12°C (54°F)
(Chaplin 1993, Siwatibau et al. 1998).
Soils
ASSOCIATED PLANT SPECIES Poumuli naturally occurs on a wide range of soils includ-
ing coralline, red clay, somewhat poorly drained soils, and
The species occurs mainly in more open types of lowland various coastal soils. It exhibits excellent growth and stem
tropical forest, including secondary forests and near-coast- form on fertile, bouldery, volcanic clay loams in Samoa.
al thickets.
Macaranga spp. and whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) Soil texture
are frequently associated species in its native habitats. As an Tolerates light to heavy soils (sands, sandy loams, loams,
introduced species in Pacific islands, it is planted together sandy clay loams, clay loams, sandy clays, and clays).
with species such as coconut (Cocos nucifera), breadfruit
(Artocarpus altilis), citrus (Citrus spp.), mahogany (Swiete- Soil drainage
nia macrophylla), and tropical almond (Terminalia spp.). It prefers freely draining soils but tolerates soils with im-
peded drainage.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREFERENCES Soil acidity

AND TOLERANCES Neutral to acid soils (pH 4.0–7.4).

Special soil tolerances

Climate
It is not especially well adapted to shallow, infertile soils,
This species is adapted to the lowland, humid tropics. The
and is intolerant of saline/brackish soils and soils that are
regions of its natural occurrence are uniformly warm to hot
waterlogged or shallowly inundated for more than a few
throughout the year.
weeks.
Elevation range
Tolerances
0–350 (–900) m (0–1150 [–2950] ft); planted 600–900 m
in Samoa Drought
Mean annual rainfall The species is recorded as being somewhat drought tol-
erant in Samoa, tolerating dry spells of 3–4 months once
1800–4500 mm (70–175 in), reasonably uniformly distrib-
plants are well established.
uted
Full sun
Rainfall pattern
It prefers full sun.
Poumuli prefers climates with summer, bimodal, or uni-
form rainfall patterns. Shade
Dry season duration (consecutive months with <40 It will grow satisfactorily with up to about 30% shade.
mm [1.6 in] rainfall) Fire
0–3 months On Savai‘i (Samoa) it has been reported to be intolerant
Mean annual temperature of fire. Young plants (seedlings and saplings) are normally
killed by severe fires, while mature trees usually survive low-
22–28°C (72–82°F)
intensity ground fires.
Mean maximum temperature of hottest month
Frost
29–32°C (84–90°F)
The tree is considered frost-sensitive; it does not naturally
Mean minimum temperature of coldest month occur nor has it been planted in areas experiencing frost.
19–24°C (66–75°F) Waterlogging
It is likely to tolerate only short periods (measured in
weeks) of waterlogging or shallow inundation in poorly-

Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry (www.traditionaltree.org)  

aerated soils, but it may grow satisfactorily in better-aer- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
ated, lighter-textured soils with somewhat impeded drain-
Poumuli can be characterized as a “sprinter,” growing rap-
age.
idly in the early years before slowing down from age 10–20
Salt spray onward. Thereafter, growth, particularly in trunk diameter,
is slow.
It is tolerant of light salt spray but should not be planted in
exposed seaside locations.
Growth rate
Wind Height growth commonly exceeds 1.5 m per year (5 ft/yr)
Poumuli has, overall, good resistance to steady winds and for the first 5–10 years, then falls away dramatically as
cyclones. On well drained soils, the tree is expected to resist plants reach near full height (about 17–20 m [56–66 ft]).
storm damage mainly because of the strong bole, low stat- On fertile sites in Samoa, trees averaged 3.0–3.3 m (10–11
ure, and evenly distributed crown with no large branches. ft) annual height growth and 2.7–4.7 cm (1.1–1.8 in) dbh
In Samoa, the main damage from moderately intense cy- increase per year in the first 3 years. In the Solomon Islands,
clones is associated with defoliation and breakage of side it exhibits rapid diameter growth up to about 7–8 years;
branches, and trees recover well within 6–9 months. How- thereafter, diameter growth slows dramatically in more
ever, the tree is uprooted easily in the Solomon Islands closely planted configurations.
(Chaplin 1993), and on Vava‘u, Tonga, a high proportion
of trees in trial plots were defoliated and died following Flowering and fruiting
cyclone Waka in 2002. Flowering and fruiting commence at about age 2–3 years,
although flowering may commence within 18 months of
Abilities field planting. In Samoa, female plants may often be found
bearing flowers and fruits in the same umbel, and flower-
Regenerate rapidly ing/fruiting is thought to occur year round. Recorded flow-
The species is capable of regenerating rapidly, especially on ering months include January and May–November, with
cleared, fertile sites, and with human assistance (including fruiting recorded in March, May–August, and November.
weeding and re-transplanting wildings). In Vanuatu, the species also flowers and fruits year-round.
In the Philippines it has been observed flowering in Janu-
Self-prune ary and May–June and fruiting in January and May.
In Samoa self-pruning starts at about age 3–4 years.
Poumuli has good self-pruning characteristics, with the Yields
lower branches progressively being shaded out, dying, Yields have not been well documented but are estimated
and eventually being shed. They can be easily removed by to be about 4–6 m3/ha/yr (57–86 ft3/ac/yr) during the rapid
knocking them off using the back of a cane knife. Cyclonic growth phase to age 8–10 years. Trees at spacing of 400/
winds may also hasten the process of self-pruning, break- ha (162/ac) would produce about 800 pieces of 3 m (10 ft)
ing branches from mid- and upper canopy positions. length poles and the same number of smaller diameter
Coppice posts for fencing over an 8–10 year rotation.
In Samoa, if stumps are cut very low (to allow for maximum Reaction to competition
utilization) then mature trees exhibit limited coppicing
ability. If plants are cut at a height of more than 1 m (3.3 ft) During the first few years after planting poumuli grows
above ground level, then even mature (10-year-old) trees well at close spacings; that is, it is not especially sensitive
may coppice very well. In the Solomon Islands, coppice to competition.
shoots have been reported to develop from cut stumps.

Pollard PROPAGATION
Canopies generally recover fairly well following cy- Poumuli is regenerated from seed in several different
clone damage, so trees would be expected to regrow after ways:
pollarding. Pollarding is not practiced, because trees have • nursery-raised seedlings (usually by forestry
a fairly narrow canopy for many years and up to the time departments)
when they can be harvested for poles and posts. • transplanted wildlings—the most common method
for villagers in Samoa (70–90%)

  Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli) 

• natural seedling regeneration: protecting and weeding
such plants
• direct-seeding—in Vanuatu, seed is sometimes
broadcast over newly planted food crop gardens to
supplement natural regeneration (Wheatley 1992).

Propagation of seedlings
Seed collection
In Samoa seeds/fruits may be collected throughout the
year, with the main period in Vanuatu being from the end
of April to July. Mature dark-colored fruits are collected
directly from the canopy or by lopping off small branches
and picking the ripe fruits.

Seed processing
Ripe fruits should be soaked in water overnight and then
depulped by rubbing and washing over a fine mesh sieve to
remove the pulpy material. Seeds should be sown in pot-
ting mixture and shallowly covered to about 1–2 mm (0.04–
0.08 in) depth. First germination occurs in 2–5 weeks.

Seed storage
Seeds are orthodox, i.e., they retain viability when dried
and stored. They may be kept for many years in airtight
containers under refrigeration (4°C [39°F]).

Germination Poumuli has been adopted as a beloved tree of Samoa. pho-

Seeds do not require scarification prior to sowing. Sow in a to: T. Pouli
well drained, neutral, fertile loamy soil. The tiny seedlings
turbed and more closed forest types and farm lands, and
grow very rapidly and can be transplanted into final nurs-
any such trees are likely to be sought-out and utilized for
ery pots at the two- or four-leaf stage (about 10 days after
timber by people.
germination). Seedlings prefer full sun.

Time to outplanting Susceptibility to pests/pathogens

Under normal growing conditions, seedlings are ready to Generally low susceptibility to pests and diseases. Brown
plant out in 16–20 weeks. The ideal seedling height for root rot (Phellinus noxius) was observed on Kolombangara
outplanting is about 25 cm (10 in). in the Solomon Islands (Chaplin 1987). Plantings may re-
quire protection from termites.
Guidelines for outplanting
Poumuli is a light-demanding species, although it can be Host to crop pests/pathogens
established under an open canopy of other species such as The tree is not known to be a host for crop pests and patho-
coconut. Plants grow at a moderately fast rate after out- gens.
planting, especially on fertile soils with good weeding.

AGROFORESTRY/ENVIRONMENTAL
DISADVANTAGES PRACTICES
Potential for invasiveness Soil stabilization and improvement
Has a very limited potential to become an environmental The tree appears to be useful for soil stabilization. It can
weed. In most cases this would not be the case: the spe- be expected to improve soil organic matter, but it is not
cies appears to have only a limited ability to invade undis- generally planted with this purpose in mind.

Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry (www.traditionaltree.org)  

Pest control plants, and the narrow, upper stem sections of older trees
When planted together with mahogany in the Solomon may be utilized for fence pots.
Islands, the mahogany appears to suffer less damage from
Boundary markers
shoot borer (Hypsipyla robusta) than in pure stands. This
may be due to higher numbers of predators attracted into A useful boundary marker due to its longevity and compact
the mixed stands and eating and reducing the population crown, it is commonly planted along farm boundaries in
of shoot borer moths/larvae. Samoa.

Crop shade/overstory Windbreaks

The species is well suited to provide varying levels of shade Poumuli makes an excellent narrow, low windbreak, espe-
(depending on planting spacing) for a wide range of crop cially younger trees with more dense foliage, up to about
species. In the Solomon Islands it is considered to have 10 years of age.
good potential as a shade tree for cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Silvopasture
because it:
The tree is not known to be included in silvopastoral sys-
• is a long-lived, small, even-canopied tree tems, but it ought to be suitable for providing some shade
• provides a valuable round timber product in small or and as a windbreak.
large dimensions appropriate for village use
• is a host for ants (Oecophylla smaragedina) which Animal fodder
control a bug (Amblypelta cocophaga) that feeds on Grazing animals do not normally eat the foliage. However,
new shoots and young pods of cacao young seedlings may have their leaves eaten by cattle.
• is not as susceptible to brown root rot (Phellinus
noxius) as are other shade trees, such as Leucaena, and Woodlot
therefore is less likely to spread the disease onto cacao. It is very widely planted as a woodlot species in Samoa for
Alley cropping production of fale poles. It may be planted in pure wood-
Poumuli is an excellent species for growing in wide-spaced lots or mixed with other exotic and native species.
alleys, and it has been used successfully on Santo, Vanuatu, Native animal/bird food
in this role.
The fruits (small berries) may be produced almost year-
Homegardens round and are consumed by various fruit-eating birds
The species is commonly included in homegardens in Sa- wherever it is found.
moa; it is well suited to such plantings due to its compact, Wildlife habitat
low stature, wind firmness, and attractive appearance.
The tree provides excellent habitat and a food source for
Improved fallows many bird species, both insect- and fruit-eaters, e.g. white-
Poumuli is not known to have specific soil-improving at- eye, Pacific pigeon, and fruit doves, as well as flying foxes.
tributes, other than general attributes of trees such as cy- Bee forage
cling of mineral nutrients from deeper soil layers to crop
The species flowers heavily over a long period, and the
root zone, and addition of organic matter. However, it is an
flowers are well visited by honey bees. They appear to be
economically attractive planted fallow and income-gener-
an excellent food source for bees, providing both pollen
ating crop during crop fallow periods as it can be harvested
and nectar. It is considered a tree of moderate importance
at a relatively early age, e.g., 7–8 years.
for apiaries in the Solomon Islands (Forster et al. 1988), but
Living fences the quality of honey produced by bees feeding on nectar of
The tree is little used for live fencing (as it cannot be propa- poumuli is yet to be determined.
gated by large branch cuttings), but it would be well suited Coastal protection
to this purpose, due to its longevity and narrow crown.
The tree may be included in less exposed portions of coastal
Fence posts protection plantings.
Cut stems make durable fence posts and are widely used Ornamental
for this purpose. Both early thinnings, e.g., 5–7-year-old
Poumuli is an attractive tree with ornamental potential.

  Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli) 

USES AND PRODUCTS
Poumuli is highly regarded throughout the
South Pacific for production of highly durable
timber, being especially favored for building
construction uses, especially as round fence
posts and construction poles. Its moderately
rapid growth, good bole form, and wood and
non-wood uses make it a promising tree for
agroforestry plantings, including those on infer-
tile soils. In the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu,
the species grows rapidly and straight without
big branches and is widely exploited for local
uses. Traditional non-wood product uses in
Melanesia include herbal medicines and a dye.
In Samoa the tree is extensively planted in ru-
ral gardens and house yards, and has become
the main source of logs for posts and rafters
in construction of traditional Samoan houses.
It is also often planted as a border tree in Sa-
moan villages, including boundaries and along
roads. The species has potential as an intercrop
species along with high-value timber species,
such as whitewood (Endospermum medullosum),
mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), and san-
dalwood (Santalum spp.), and would itself be a
valuable component of the crop. In some places
the tree has moderate importance for honey
production, providing both pollen and nectar
to honey bees during the flowering season.

Medicinal
A medicinal drink made from the rasped bark
is used to treat fever in the Solomon Islands
(Maenu‘u 1979). The shredded root is used me-
dicinally in New Guinea. It is also used in tra-
ditional medicine in Vanuatu.

Timber Top: Poumuli is commonly planted in homegardens at close spacing, here

with pineapple, ginger, bananas, yams, and coconut. photo: C. Elevitch
Poumuli yields a heavy heartwood; the den-
Bottom: Harvesting logs, Samoa. photo: T. Pouli
sity has been variously recorded as 900 kg/m3
(56 lb/ft3) on a dry weight basis, 770 kg/m3 (48
non-susceptible to Lyctus attack. Uses include house poles,
lb/ft3) at 12% moisture content (m.c.) (Kininmonth 1982),
fence posts, ground posts, and light aerial members in
and 810–935 kg/m (50.5–58 lb/ft ) at 15% m.c. (van Welzen,
3 3
house construction, bridges, and marine piles (Henderson
1998). The heartwood is pale yellowish brown or reddish
and Hancock 1988, Wheatley 1992, Chaplin 1993, Martel &
brown, and sometimes hardly distinguishable from the
Associates 1998, van Welzen 1998).
pale sapwood, present as a 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in) wide band
(Chaplin 1993, Walker 1948). The grain is straight and the Fuelwood
texture moderately fine. Although very hard and strong,
The wood makes an excellent, hot-burning fuel (Chaplin
the timber is easily worked, resistant to drywood ter-
and Ngoro 1988, Wheatley 1992, Foliga and Blaffart 1995).
mites and fungi, and very well suited for service in ground
contact. The sapwood is not durable in the ground but is

Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry (www.traditionaltree.org)  

Craft wood/tools be desirable for production of larger poles. Due to the rare
It may be suitable for wooden buttons and other uses where occurrence of multiple trunks, singling has not proved to
a fine-grained, strong timber is required (Chaplin 1993). In be necessary.
Samoa its uses include:
Design considerations
• wood on which tapa cloth is beaten
• short, sharpened sticks for husking coconuts At close spacing, the species is able to rapidly dominate
(Whistler 2000) the site; this reduces weeding requirements, and early thin-
• planting sticks for planting taro, other crops, and tree nings can provide lighter poles such as rafters. Appropriate
seedlings. thinning regimes will need to be developed to ensure the
required size of the end product is achieved.
Canoe/boat/raft making
In Samoa the wood is used for making booms for outrigger
canoes (Whistler 2000).

Tannin/dye
Leaves of the red-veined form are used to stain
Pandanus leaves a charcoal color (Chaplin 1993).
In Samoa and Uvea (Wallis), the purple juice
from the fruit is used as a dye (Smith 1981, Fo-
liga and Blaffart 1995).

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
The primary commercial products include
wooden posts and poles that are sold in local
markets, e.g., Bougainville, Santo in Vanuatu,
and Apia, Samoa. Price varies depending on
the length and diameter of the log.

Spacing for commercial production

A stocking rate of over 1000 stems/ha (405 Small on-farm woodlot, Samoa. photo: T. Pouli
stems/ac) at age 6 years is appropriate for pole
production (Chaplin 1993, Foliga and Blaffart
1995).
In pure plantations various spacings have been
used including 2 x 2 m, 2.5 x 2.5 m, 3 x 3 m, 2
x 5 m, 4 x 3 m, and 4 x 4 m, but currently 5–6
m x 4 m (16–20 x 13 ft) is preferred in order
to avoid crown interference at an early age. In
Samoa the most common spacing for mixed-
species forestry plantings is 8 x 3 m (26 x 10 ft)
(Chaplin 1993, Foliga and Blaffart 1995, T. Alat-
imu pers. comm. 2004)

Management objectives
Producing long, clear, and straight boles for
posts and poles is the objective. Removal of
lower branches to a height of 3 m (10 ft) at an
age of about 3–4 years is recommended for the
production of posts. Additional later pruning of
side branches up to a height of 6 m (20 ft) may New planting of poumuli interplanted with taro. photo: T. Pouli

10  Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli) 

Yield
Yields are estimated to be about 4–6 m3/ha/yr
(57.2–85.8 ft3/ac/yr) during the early years. Pro-
cessing includes cutting to length and bark re-
moval. The prepared logs are usually sold only
in local markets, e.g., within 50 km (30 miles) of
production. In recent years in Samoa, poumuli
products from West Savai’i have been supplied
further afield to markets in ‘Upolu.

INTERPLANTING/FARM
APPLICATIONS
Example system 1
Location
Siumu, ‘Upolu, Samoa.

Description
This is a newly developed system, including
small woodlots and boundary marker plantings
as part of private and community forestry. The
main product is small durable poles, which are
harvested at age 8–10 years. The price in 2004
was about WS$15–30 (equivalent to US$5–10)
per 3 m (10 ft) length of small pole (10–15 cm [4–
6 in] diameter). Most trees yield 2–3 m (6.5–10
ft) poles, and two fence posts (the latter selling
for about WS$2–3 each). Whole trees return for
about WS$35–60 each.

Crop/tree interactions
The trees provide a windbreak and shelter for
adjacent crops. They also minimize the growth
of weeds and need for cutting.
Cacao growing in the understory of poumuli. Tutuila, American Samoa.
Spacing photo: C. Elevitch
Spacing varies; when intercropped with cash
crops the spacing may be 8–10 m (26–33 ft) be- amus spp.) farming system. In this system poumuli pro-
tween rows and 6 m (20 ft) within rows. In woodlots the vides early shade for both canarium nut and rattan, as well
most common spacing is 6 x 4 m (20 x 13 ft). as quicker economic returns while the longer-maturing
crops are developing.
Example system 2
Crop/tree interactions
Location
Poumuli provides early shade for establishment of rattan
Solomon Islands. and prevents weed growth. Depending on development of
Canarium as a shade and support crop for rattan, poumuli
Description
could be retained for a variable period and cut at any time
This is a new system under development combining to provide durable poles and/or cash income.
poumuli in a canarium nut/rattan (Canarium indicum/Cal-

Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry (www.traditionaltree.org)  11

Spacing Kininmonth, J.A. 1982. Properties and Uses of the Timbers
In this system, poumuli is planted at close spacing, 3 x 3 m of Western Samoa: Indigenous Hardwoods. Forestry Re-
(10 x 10 ft), to provide shade from an early age and more search Institute, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Maenu‘u, L. 1979. An Indicative List of Solomon Islands Me-
stems for later commercial thinnings.
dicinal Plants. Unpublished monograph. Forestry Division
Research Station, Munda, Solomon Islands.
Martel & Associates. 1998. Rapid Rural Assessment Surveys
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND
in Samoa. Final Report. South Pacific Regional Initiative
AGROFORESTRY EXTENSION on Forest Genetic Resources (SPRIG), CSIRO Forestry
Extension offices for agroforestry and forestry in the and Forest Products, Yarralumla, Australia.
Pacific: http://www.traditionaltree.org/extension.html Neal, P.E. 1987. Notes on Potential Multipurpose and Com-
munity Forest Tree Species. Forest Research Report 11-87.
Vanuatu Forest Service, Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Reyes, L.J. 1938. Philippine Woods. Technical Bulletin 7. Com-
BIBLIOGRAPHY monwealth of the Philippines, Department of Agriculture
(☛  indicates recommended reading) and Commerce, Manila, Philippines.
Salvosa, F.M. 1963. Lexicon of Philippine Trees. Bulletin 1.
Airy Shaw, H.K. 1980. The Euphorbiaceae of New Guinea. Forest Products Research Institute, College, Laguna, Phil-
Kew Bulletin Additional Series VIII. Royal Botanic Gar- ippines.
dens, Kew. Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, London. Siwatibau, S., C. Bani, and J. Kaloptap. 1998. SPRIG Sur-
Airy Shaw, H.K. 1983. The Euphorbiaceae of central Male- vey of Selected Trees in Vanuatu. South Pacific Regional
sia (Celebes, Moluccas, Lesser Sunda Is.). Kew Bulletin 37: Initiative on Forest Genetic Resources (SPRIG), CSIRO
1–40. Forestry and Forest Products, Canberra, Australia.
Chaplin, P.E. 1987. Insect Pests and Fungal Diseases of Trees Smith, A.C. 1981. Flora Vitiensis Nova. Vol. 2. Pacific Tropical
in the Solomon Islands, Recent Identifications. Forestry Botanical Garden, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.
Research Note 29–1/87. Ministry of Natural Resources/For- van Welzen, P.C. 1998. Securinega comm. ex A.L. Juss. pp.
estry Division, Honiara, Solomon Islands. 519–520. In: Sosef, M.S.M., L.T. Hong, and S. Prawiro-
Chaplin, P.E. 1988. Notes on the Use of Mixtures and Nurse hatmodjo (eds.). Plant Resources of South-East Asia 5(3).
Crops in the Establishment of Plantations of High Value Timber trees: Lesser-known Timbers. PROSEA Founda-
Species. Forestry Note 30-7/88. Forestry Division, Ministry tion, Bogor, Indonesia.
of Natural Resources, Honiara, Solomon Islands. Walker, F.S. 1948. The Forest of the British Solomon Islands
☛ Chaplin, P.E. 1993. Silviculture Manual for the Solomon Protectorate. Forest Record No 1. Forestry Division, Minis-
Islands. Solomon Islands Forestry Record 6. Overseas try of Natural Resources, Solomon Islands.
Development Administration Forestry Series 1. Natural Webster, G.L. 1994. Synopsis of the genera and suprageneric
Resources Institute, Kent, UK. taxa of Euphorbiaceae. Annals of the Missouri Botanical
Chaplin, P.E., and M.L. Ngoro. 1988. The Status of Flueggea Garden 81: 33–144.
flexuosa in Solomon Islands—An Appropriate Species for ☛ Wheatley, J.I. 1992. A Guide to the Common Trees of
Small Scale Community Forestry. Forestry Research Note Vanuatu. Department of Forestry. Vanuatu.
46-14-88. Forestry Division, Ministry of Natural Resources, Whistler, W.A. 1997. A Summary of Information on Com-
Solomon Islands. mercial Timber Trees in Western Samoa. Prepared For
Foliga, T., and H. Blaffart. 1995. 20 Western Samoan Spe- South Pacific Regional Initiative on Forest Genetic Re-
cies. Watershed Management and Conservation Education sources. CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products, Canberra,
Project Working Paper. Government of Western Samoa Australia.
and UNDP/FAO, Apia, Samoa. Whistler, W.A. 2000. Plants in Samoan Culture: The
Forster, S., J.D. Galvin, and G.E. Chaplin. 1988. Notes on Ethnobotany of Samoa. Isle Botanica, Honolulu.
Honey Sources and Bee Keeping at Vanga Point and Te-
naru. Forestry Note 29-6/88. Forestry Division, Ministry of
Natural Resources, Solomon Islands.
☛ Henderson, C.P., and I.R. Hancock. 1988. A Guide to
the Useful Plants of Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands
Research Department and Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

12  Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli) 

 Traditional Tree Initiative—Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry (www.traditionaltree.org)

Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli)

Author: Lex A.J. Thomson, South Pacific Regional Initiative of Forest Genetic Resources (SPRIG) Project, SPC Forestry Program,
Suva, Fiji (current contact info: IPGRI, Via dei Tre Denari 472/a, 00057 Maccarese (Fiumicino), Rome, Italy; E-mail: L.Thomson@
cgiar.org).
Acknowledgments: The author and publisher thank Tito Alatimu, Dale Evans, Tolusina Pouli, Diane Ragone, and Art Whistler for
their input. Photo contributions from Tolusina Pouli are greatly appreciated.
Recommended citation: Thomson, L.A.J. 2006. Flueggea flexuosa (poumuli), ver. 2.1. In: Elevitch, C.R. (ed.). Species Profiles for Pa-
cific Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), Hōlualoa, Hawai‘i. <http://www.traditionaltree.org>.
Sponsors: Publication was made possible by generous support of the United States Department of Agriculture Western Region Sus-
tainable Agriculture Research and Education (USDA-WSARE) Program; SPC/GTZ Pacific-German Regional Forestry Project;
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS); State of Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources Divi-
sion of Forestry & Wildlife; and the USDA Forest Service Forest Lands Enhancement Program. This material is based upon work
supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Agricultural
Experiment Station, Utah State University, under Cooperative Agreement 2002-47001-01327.
Series editor: Craig R. Elevitch
Publisher: Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), PO Box 428, Hōlualoa, Hawai‘i 96725, USA; Tel: 808-324-4427; Fax: 808-324-
4129; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: <http://www.agroforestry.net>. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Reproduction: Copies of this publication can be downloaded from <http://www.traditionaltree.org>. This publication may be repro-
duced for noncommercial educational purposes only, with credit given to the source. © 2006 Permanent Agriculture Resources. All
rights reserved.

   

     

Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry (www.traditionaltree.org)  13