Aglaia mariannensis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aglaia mariannensis
Leaves and fruits, Saipan
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Meliaceae
Genus:	Aglaia
Species:	A. mariannensis
Binomial name
Aglaia mariannensis Merr.
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The Aglaia mariannensis is a special tree found only on the Mariana Islands and Guam. People in these islands call it mapunyao in Chamorro language and fischil liyoos in Carolinian language. This tree is known for its big, shiny, dark green leaves.

Discovering the Mapunyao Tree

What Does the Mapunyao Tree Look Like?

The mapunyao tree has large leaves, about 10 to 18 centimeters long. These leaves are dark green and very glossy, meaning they are shiny. They grow closely together on the stems. The new leaf buds at the very end of the branches are often orange and fuzzy. They can even look a bit like praying hands!

Flowers and Fruit

The flowers of the mapunyao tree are small and yellowish-green. They grow in clusters and have a nice smell, a bit like citronella. The fruit of this tree is yellow or orange and shaped like an egg. Inside, you'll find one or two seeds, which are about the size of a coffee bean. The fruit's inside is a bit spongy and dry. Even though the fruit might not seem very tasty, birds love it! They help spread the seeds around, allowing new mapunyao trees to grow.

Where Does the Mapunyao Tree Live?

This tree is endemic to the Mariana Islands and Guam. This means it naturally grows only in these specific places and nowhere else in the world. It's a unique part of the plant life there.

What Does "Aglaia" Mean?

The first part of the tree's scientific name, "Aglaia," comes from the Greek language. In Greek, "Aglaia" means "wisdom and glory." It's a beautiful name for a special tree!