The Elaeocarpus rugosus, commonly known as the Rough-fruited Elaeocarpus, is a remarkable tree species belonging to the Elaeocarpaceae family. This majestic tree, native to various parts of Asia, offers both aesthetic beauty and ecological importance.
Elaeocarpus rugosus is a large tree, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. Its distinctive features include:
Twigs: Robust and cylindrical, 6-11 mm thick, with prominent leaf and flower stalk scars. They are covered with rust-brown tomentum and are brown in color.
Leaves: Leathery or thinly leathery, clustered at branch tips. They vary in shape from obovate-lanceolate to fiddle-shaped or obovate-elliptical, measuring (14-)18-30(-45) cm long and 6-11(-16) cm wide. The leaves have abruptly pointed, rounded, or slightly indented tips, with cuneate bases and shallow, obtuse teeth along the margins.
Venation: 16-18 lateral veins, with the upper surface showing flattened central and lateral veins and a conspicuous network. The underside has prominent central, lateral, and network veins.
Petioles: Distinctively bent at the top, 1-2.6 cm long and 3 mm thick, initially covered with rust-yellow hairs.
Inflorescence: Dense racemes growing in the axils of both fallen and growing leaves, bearing 8-10 large flowers. The flower buds, pedicels, and inflorescence stalks are densely covered with rust-colored tomentum.
Flowers:
Fruit: Ellipsoid drupe, about 3.5 cm long and 2-2.5 cm in diameter. The outer pericarp is velutinous, while the inner pericarp surface has prominent nodular protrusions. The stone is flattened with two distinct edges, containing one chamber and one seed.
Elaeocarpus rugosus is found across various Asian countries, including:
It thrives in evergreen broadleaf forests of valleys and ravines at elevations between 500-800 meters. The species prefers warm, humid conditions and well-drained, acidic yellow soils.
Propagation of Elaeocarpus rugosus can be achieved through two main methods:
When transplanting larger seedlings, prune some branches and leaves to reduce water evaporation and promote recovery and growth.
Elaeocarpus rugosus is highly valued for its ornamental qualities:
1. Aesthetic appeal: The tree forms a magnificent, pagoda-like crown from top to bottom.
2. Floral display: During blooming (March), the tree is adorned with layers of white, tassel-like flowers that sway in the breeze.
3. Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant, creamy scent.
4. Architectural interest: Mature trees develop impressive buttress roots at the base.
5. Versatile landscaping applications:
Elaeocarpus rugosus is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (version 3.1, 1998). This status indicates that the species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.
Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this beautiful and ecologically important tree species. Measures may include habitat protection, sustainable harvesting practices, and ex-situ conservation through cultivation in botanical gardens and arboreta.
In conclusion, Elaeocarpus rugosus is a remarkable tree species that combines ornamental beauty with ecological significance. Its conservation is vital not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for preserving a valuable resource for horticulture and urban landscaping.