Metroxylon vitiense
| Metroxylon vitiense | |
|---|---|
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| illustration circa 1870 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Metroxylon |
| Species: | M. vitiense |
| Binomial name | |
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Metroxylon vitiense (H. Wendland) H. Wendland ex Bentham & Hooker f. |
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Metroxylon vitiense (vitiense - Fiji, also known as the Fiji sago palm) is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae, endemic to the islands of Fiji (hence its specific name vitiense, "of Viti", meaning Fiji in Fijian), Ovalau, and Vanua Levu in Fiji. There is only one confirmed occurrence of M. vitiense on Vanua Levu, just outside Savusavu. Despite it being considered a threatened species by the IUCN, as of February 2013 M. vitiense was still unprotected by Fijian regulations and international legislation. It has also been reported from the nearby islands of Wallis and Futuna.
Metroxylon vitiense, like many species of Metroxylon, has previously been classified under the genera Coelococcus and Sagus. M. vitiense was previously classified as Coelococcus vitiensis (H. Wendl. ex Seem.) and Sagus vitiensis (H. Wendl. ex Seem.), although these are now non-preferred scientific names. The palm is also known by the following names in Fiji: soga, sogo, seko, and niu soria.
Metroxylon vitiense commonly grows in swampy forests. Formerly, it was common near Navua, Viti Levu, but is now found only in the more inaccessible swampy valley forests. The locations on Viti Levu, specifically in the Rewa River Delta, where M. vitiense has been historically common, coincide with areas that have recently experienced increased human population growth.
Metroxylon vitiense will grow between 5 to 16 m (16 to 52 ft) tall and its trunk will grow to a diameter of 36 to 50 cm (14 to 20 in). The leaf base and petiole are covered with rows of pointy spines. It takes approximately 20 years of growth before the palm begins to bear fruit. Its fruit can vary in color and shape, even within the same stand of trees, similar to other species of Metroxylon. The fruit is round but not always spherical; it can be elliptical or ovular in shape. The fruit has scales, similar to a pineapple, but whose color varies from green to golden yellow to dark brown to grey. Like other species of Metroxylon, M. vitiense propagates by seed, which germinates from its fruit. The palm is monocarpic and dies after it flowers and sets seeds, similar to the century plant and the Hawaiian silversword.
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