Indonesia has much endemic flora. Especially in the Papua islands. More than 3.000 species of Indonesia endemic flora grow well in the Papua islands. The black orchid is the most famous Indonesian flora. In this article, you will know 8 West Papua’s unique flora.
8 Unique Flora from West Papua
There are many of West Papua’s unique flora. But we will tell you 8 endemic flora mostly found in West Papua.
1. Matoa Tree
Matoa tree is a flora from the Papua islands. In botanically name is Pometia pinnata. It is still one family with lychee. Matoa only grows well in the dry land. It grows in lowlands around 1200 meters above sea level.
The matoa tree also called ‘the unique fruit of the Papua islands’. Because much matoa fruit grows well in the Papua islands. It is also West Papua’s unique flora. In Papua, Matoa is called Ton or Taun.
Matoa tree has 2 types of trees. Coconut matoa and papeda matoa. The colour of coconut matoa is green. The flesh of fruit has a chewy and dry texture. Papeda matoa has red color. The inside of papeda matoa is sticky and soft.
2. Black Orchid
In Indonesia, there are 2 types of black orchid. Kalimatan black orchid and Papua black orchid. Papua black orchid is one of the rare flora, that protects by the government. In international, Papua black orchid is also called ‘The Black Blood-Red Dendrobium’.
The botanical name is Dendrobium atroviolaceum Rolfe. Papua black orchid has black colour. But on the inside, it has different colors from purple to pink.
3. Besi Orchid
Besi orchid is also one of the rare flora, protect by the government. It has botanically name Dendrobium filopupaphen. Besi orchid has a green or yellow colour. But on the inside, the colour is purple. They can grow until 4 meters. It has a stiff and round leaves.
4. Stuberi Orchid
Stuberi orchid or Dendrobium lasianthera, grows well in Papua and West Papua. It is also one of the rare flora that protects by the government. In Indonesia, stuberi orchid is also called the strawberry orchid. In international, it is also called ‘May River Red’ and ‘Sepik Blue’.
Stuberi orchids grow in moist land. It can grow by more than 1 meter. Stuberu orchid also has many colours. Start from red, white, blue, and yellow.
5. Red Fruit
Red fruit is also one of West Papua’s unique flora. It grows well in the Papua islands. Red fruit is also known as Pandanus conoideus. The tree can grow up to 16 meters. It has many benefits for our eyes, skin, and stamina.
Red fruit has an oval shape. It has red colour. That’s why people call it red fruit. Some of them have a brown colour when it is mature. For some ethnic in Papua, red fruit is always available in traditional ceremonies.
6. Bintangur
Bintangur is also one of the unique flora from West Papua. In Indonesia, bintangur is also called mentangur. The botanical name is Calophyllum. It can grow up to 30 meters.
There are many benefits of bintangur. Bintangur wood can use for many things in our life. For example, to build a house. Bintangur also has poison latex. The latex can use to poison the mouse.
7. Musa Ingens Banana
Musa ingens banana is the bigger banana in the world. It is also one of the endemic flora from West Papua and Papua. The botanical name is Musa ingens. You can find it around Manokwari and Arfak.
Musa ingens banana can grow until 30 meters. It also has a diameter of 95 cm. Musa ingens banana has a length up to 20 cm. The diameter is around 4-6 cm.
8. Ant Hill
Ant hill is also known as Myrmecodia pendans. The shape was like the ant’s hill. That’s why, this endemic flora is called ‘Ant Hill’. The fruit grows in its trunk. Ant hill can use for medicine. For example, cancer, TBC, stomachache, leukaemia, etc.
There are much unique flora from West Papua. But, many of them are endangered. We should help to protect our flora. Don’t burn the forest. Preserve the flora carefully. It will protect them from extinction.
