Osmoxlon eminens

Scientific name: Osmoxlon eminens (Bull.) Philipson

Family: Araliaceae

Local name: ulo-ulo (C.Bis.)

Distribution: Samar, Dinagat Is., Mindanao (Lanao, Davao, Zamboanga), Basilan Endemic.

Description: Small to medium-size tree, to 7 m tall. Leaves are long-petioled, palmately-lobed and usually crowded at the end of branches; margins are irregularly-lobed. Inflorescence is head-like, terminal on branches, to 20 cm in diameter. Flowers are bright orange. Fruits are black, crowded like a pin-cushion.

Conservation Notes: This endemic tree is found in primary forests. It is a handsome plant and is occasionally cultivated in gardens. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. At present the plant is not threatened although it may become so because of overharvesting for ornamental purposes.

For further information contact: Domingo A. Madulid, Philippine National Museum, Botany Division, P. Burgos St., Manila. Tel. 5271218. Email: [email protected]