Degeneria vitiensis

plant

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

endemism Unusual flower of *Degeneria vitiensis*, endemic to Fiji.

Degeneria vitiensis is a large tree species belonging to the family Degeneriaceae, which is part of the Magnoliales order. This plant is native to Fiji.12

Key characteristics of Degeneria vitiensis include:
* Primitive vessels in its structure.1
* Single pollen grains with an elongated aperture and a homogenous exine.1
* Sterile stamens (staminodes) located between fertile stamens and a single central carpel.1
* Unusual kidney-shaped fruits that split open to reveal seeds embedded in pulp, which are dispersed by birds.1
* Embryos with three or four cotyledons, which is a rare trait.1

The timber from Degeneria vitiensis has been used for building construction, furniture, and veneer, though the trees are too scattered for widespread commercial timber harvesting.3

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Magnoliales
Distribution and abundance
Degeneria vitiensis, as the species name indicates, was found on Viti Levu, the largest island of the Fijian archipelago. It is a relatively common tree that occurs mostly in upland forests on steep slopes, and it has been used for timber. A second species, D.…
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Degeneria vitiensis, as the species name indicates, was found on Viti Levu, the largest island of the Fijian archipelago. It is a relatively common tree that occurs mostly in upland forests on steep slopes, and it has been used for timber. A second species, D.…
Read More