| Etymology | Genus | Yellow stamens; referring to other species in the genus |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Unknown | |
| Family | Myrtaceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Mangkono, Philippine Ironwood | |
| Status | Exotic: Cultivated Only | |
| Form | Tree | |
| Native Distribution | Philippines | |
Diagnostics:
Xanthostemon verdugonianus is a slow-growing cultivated tree which can be easily identified by its cluster of red flowers armed with long stamens.
There has been much confusion between the identity of this with Xanthostemon youngii, an endemic species found in Australia. X. youngii also has red flowers but the ovary is densely hairly (Wilson, 1990). So far, specimens seen here are X. verdugonianus, hence X. youngii is probably misapplied and not cultivated here.
Interesting Facts:
The Mangkono tree is endemic to Philippines and restricted to the eastern tip of Leyte, and the islands of Homonhou and Dinagat (IUCN, 1998).
Form of the Mangkono.
Flowers come in a cluster with long stamens.
Leaf shape and venation.
The ovary is non-hairy compared to Xanthostemon youngii.
Fruits are capsules that will split open.
References
IUCN. (1998) Xanthostemon verdugonianus. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed on 7-Sep-2013.
Wilson PG. (1990) Revision of the genus Xanthostemon (Myrtaceae) in Australia. Telopea, 3: 451-474.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2012-09-08 / Modified: 2018-01-17