Pericopsis elata

Other Relevant Info:

POWO: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:513073-1

IUCN:

Endangered

CITES:

Appendix II

Bole and Bark:

Pericopsis elata typically develops a long, straight, and cylindrical bole, often clear of branches for 15–25 meters in mature trees. The trunk can reach up to 1.5 meters in diameter, occasionally more, especially in undisturbed forests. The bole is usually unbuttressed or with small, low buttresses at the base. It exhibits little tapering, making it highly valued for its excellent form in timber production. The overall structure is robust and upright, suitable for large-scale harvesting. Pericopsis elata bark ranges in color from gray to brown and has a rough, flaking, or scaly texture, particularly on older trees. It typically peels off in random thin plates or flakes, giving the trunk a rough aspect. The inner bark is yellowish to brownish and, when newly cut, may have a mild fragrant odor. The bark is quite thin and does not have deep cracks or coarse ridges. Younger specimens may have delicate vertical lines or lenticels. This species does not generate latex or sticky exudates, but the wood and bark are noted for their strength and insect resistance.

Leaves and flowers:

Pericopsis elata's leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with 5 to 11 leaflets grouped in opposite or subopposite pairs and a solitary terminal leaflet. Each leaflet is elliptic to oblong, averaging 3-10 cm long and 1.5-4 cm broad. It has a rounded or slightly asymmetrical base and a blunt or slightly pointed tip. Leaflet margins are whole (smooth). The upper surface is dark green and glabrous (hairless), whilst the underside is lighter in color and occasionally hairy around the midrib. The rachis (main leaf stem) is thin and somewhat grooved; little stipules are present on immature leaves but fall off quickly. Pericopsis elata has tiny, fragrant, light yellow blooms that are grouped in loose axillary or terminal panicles. Each flower has the papilionaceous structure, which consists of a large standard (banner) petal, two lateral wings, and a fused keel that houses the reproductive organs. The blooms are bisexual, with stamens and a solitary superior ovary. The ten stamens are normally diadelphous, with nine united and one free. Flowering typically begins at the start of the rainy season, and the blooms are known to attract bees and other pollinators.

Fruits and Seeds:

The fruit of Pericopsis elata is a flattened, woody pod. The pod is oblong to elliptic in shape, approximately 8-15 cm long and 2-4 cm broad, with a small curvature or straight edge. It is dark and firm when mature, but may be somewhat hairy when young. The pod is typically indehiscent or dehisces slowly, which means it does not easily break apart to release the seeds. Each pod has 1–4 seeds encased in a strong, woody matrix. The pods frequently remain on the tree before falling to the ground. Pericopsis elata seeds are big, hard, and flattened, with shapes ranging from oval to slightly oblong. They are typically 1.5-2.5 cm long and have a smooth, glossy seed coat that ranges from brown to dark brown in hue. The hilum (scar that connects the seed to the pod) is plainly evident. Seeds are non-winged and somewhat heavy, allowing for barochory (gravity-based dissemination). The seed coat is thick and stiff, which adds to physical dormancy—so the seeds may require scarification or natural weathering to germinate properly.