Octomeles

Octomeles^[2] is a monotypic genus of plant in family Tetramelaceae. The sole species is Octomeles sumatrana,^[3][4] sometimes written O. sumatranum.^[5]

Octomeles
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Cucurbitales
Family:	Tetramelaceae
Genus:	Octomeles Miq.
Species:	O. sumatrana
Binomial name
Octomeles sumatrana Miq.

Octomeles sumatrana, commonly called Benuang, or Ilimo, is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. It and Tetrameles nudiflora are the only two species in the family Tetramelaceae. They were previously classified in the Datiscaceae but found genetically not to form a natural clade with the other members of that family.^[6]

Description

The tree is dioecious and large, reaching up to 75 metres (246 ft) in height and up to 4 m (13 ft) diameter above the buttresses.^[7] A pioneer species, it regenerates quickly in disturbed habitats such as logged forest and previously cultivated land. It has been known to grow as much as 25 m (82 ft) in height and up to 47 cm (19 in) diameter at breast height (DBH) in just four years.^[8][9] Also, like other pioneer species, it is relatively short lived; even the emergent titans rarely exceeding 85 years of age.^[10] It also has noteworthy buttresses; up to 6 m (20 ft) high by up to 15 m (49 ft) in length.^[11] On Bougainville the buttresses take a different form; higher and narrower, up to 16 m (52 ft) in height while only 5.5 m (18 ft) length.^[12]