Geniostoma sykesii explained

Geniostoma sykesii (also known as Ange, or Makatea Geniostoma^[1]) is a species of flowering plant in the family Loganiaceae, endemic to the islands of Mangaia and Mitiaro in the Cook Islands. It grows on makatea (uplifted fossilised coral) terrain. Its dried leaves are used in ‘ei (floral necklaces), and used to scent multiple products.

Description

Geniostoma sykesii grows to around two metres high.^[2] It is a small shrub. Its twigs are puberulent. The internodes are 1-4 centimetres long.^[3] When it becomes ripe, it changes color from green to black. Its seeds are bright orange.

Distribution

Geniostoma sykesii is endemic to Mangaia and Mitiaro, which are both located in the Cook Islands. However, government studies have shown that the population of the plant is declining.^[4]

Usage

Geniostoma sykesii has been commonly used for multiple reasons. It is mostly used to produce the scent of coconut oil, perfume,^[5] and garlands.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Goodwin. Sir F.. 7 October 2008. Environment (Mitiaro) Regulations 2008. Parliament of the Cook Islands. endangeredearth.com.
2. Web site: Natural Science Specimen - Geniostoma sykesii. Auckland Museum. Auckland, New Zealand.
3. Fosberg. F. Raymond. Sachet. Marie-Helen. 1981. Geniostoma sykesii Fosberg & Sachet new species. Polynesian Plant Studies. la. Smithsonian Institution. 20.
4. News: V. Kirch. Patrick. 23 January 1996. Late Holocene human-induced modifications to a central Polynesian island ecosystem. National Center for Biotechnology Information, United States National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 93. 11. 5296–5300. University of California, Berkeley. 10.1073/pnas.93.11.5296. 8643569. 39239. free.
5. Book: Buse, Jasper. Cook Islands Maori Dictionary. 1995. Canberra, Australia. 9. 9780728602304. Google Books.