Planchonella duclitan
The Lanyu pouteria is widely distributed in the humid forests from Malaysia to New Guinea. The Taiwanese native species is only found on Orchid Island, while in other regions it is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The museum has planted it in the Orchid Island Area of the Botanical Garden and along the edge of the lawn behind the Science Center. The plants in the Orchid Island Area are very tall.
The Lanyu pouteria is an evergreen large tree with a tall, straight trunk that can reach up to 40 meters in height. Its dense foliage, combined with large leathery leaves that can exceed 20 centimeters in length, creates a thick canopy of shade. This not only effectively reduces the urban heat island effect but also provides pedestrians with a comfortable environment for shade and cooling. It is an excellent choice for landscaping and ornamental purposes.
The fruits of the Lanyu pouteria in the Orchid Island Area of the Botanical Garden typically ripen around May and June each year. When the fruits are ripe, the sweet fragrance they emit attracts birds and other animals to feed on them. The juice produced when the fruits rot and ferment on the ground serves as a food source for butterflies and other small animals in the Botanical Garden. This characteristic makes the Lanyu pouteria play a crucial role in its ecological system, contributing to the maintenance of biodiversity.