Neisosperma oppositifolia (Lam.) Fosberg & Sachet

New York Botanical Garden
Institute of Economic Botany
Plants and People of Palau	&
Apocynaceae
Neisosperma oppositifolia (Lam.) Fosb. & Sach.
det. Ann Kitalong, 2007
Republic of Palau, Koror State, Rock Islands,
Ngeruktabel, Ngeremdiu Beach.
N 07°15.390’	E	134°26.602'
N.V. Uaoch [Palauan]
Coastal vegetation. Growing on beach along shore.
Tree to 30m, dbh 20cm, fruits green (turning orange
when mature), flowers white, copious white latex.
Use:
Cleanser - The outside of the fruit is an orange color
and the inside is brushy and can be used to clean
teeth like the way Palauans use the base of the betel
nut (Areca catechu L.) to clean their teeth. (DO)
#4530 Michael Balick, Stephen Dahmer, Yadana Desmond, Ann
Kitalong, Christopher Kitalong, Clarence Kitalong, Roberta
Lee, Nicholas Penna
Additional interview (August 13, 2007): Rechiuang Demei
Otobed (DO)
August 9,2007
A research collaboration of the Belau National Museum and The
New York Botanical Garden Institute of Economic Botany
Fieldwork funded by The V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation.