Synonym(s): Fissistima [Fissistigma] sp. of Hotta, Polyalthia laddiana sensu auct. non A. C. Sm.  

Tongan Name: motelolo

English Name: none

Reason for Listing: reduction in cultivation

Discussion for IUCN Recommendation for Red Listing: This tree, which was historically cultivated for its fragrant fruits and flowers, is not known from the wild. A possible explanation is that it was a lowland forest species endemic to the forests of Tongatapu, but when this forest was virtually removed from the now heavily developed island, the native habitat of motelolo was destroyed. It is recommended here for inclusion on the Tongan Red List because of its being an endemic species now limited to only cultivation. Only 12 individuals have been identified from 3 islands - Tongatapu, `Eua and `Uiha.

Status: A rare endemic, no longer known from the wild (and original distribution unknown)

Suggested Action: Effort should be made to propagate this tree, probably from seeds, and encourage Tongans to grow it as a cultural plant.  The species is endemic and critically endangered.     

Apparently endemic to Tonga, where is now occurs only in cultivation, mostly around cemeteries.  It is possibly that it was formerly endemic to Tongatapu, but has disappeared from the wild along with virtually all of the native inland forest on the island.  If it were also native to ‘Eua, it would probably still be found in the native forest remaining there.  It is tempting to try to call this an ancient introduction from Fiji, but the closest relatives there are different from Polyalthia amicorum.  Polyalthia laddiana A.C. Smith occurs in limestone forest in Lau (a similar habitat as occurring on ‘Eua), but its leaves are much bigger than those of the Tongan species.  Polyalthia amygdalina (A. Gray) Gillespie occurs on Viti Levu and Ovalau, but its fruits are rounder and wider than those of Polyalthia amicorum.  The fragrant fruits are used to scent coconut oil, and the likewise fragrant flowers to make leis.      

Tree 5 m or more in height, with glabrous stems.  Leaves simple, alternate; blade lanceolate to elliptic, 5–15 cm long, rounded to subcordate at the base, broadly acuminate at the tip; surfaces glabrous; margins entire; petiole 1–3 mm long.  Inflorescence of solitary, cauliflorous flowers.  Calyx of 3 ovate sepals 1–1.2 cm long, greenish tinged with rose on the outside, rose colored within; pedicel ca. 6–8 mm long.  Corolla 6 ovate petals in 2 whorls, slightly smaller than the sepals, rose colored.  Ovaries ca. 8, on a stipe 4–6 mm long; usually with 1 or 2 fertile ovules.  Stamens many, free, included.  Fruit composed of several indehiscent carpels, globose (if 1-seeded) or oblong (if 2-seeded), 1–2.8 cm long, green at maturity.  Flowering and fruiting probably occur throughout the year.    

Distinguishable by its tree habit; alternate, mostly lanceolate leaves on a short petiole; solitary, yellowish to purplish flowers; many stamens; and each flower producing about 8 free carpels that form green fruits at maturity. 

TONGATAPU:
Parks 15362—Cultivated in a garden at Ha‘amonga.
Yuncker 16228—Near Pikula.
Hotta 4080—Nakolo Village.
Sykes 882—Cultivated at Mu‘a, Lapaha.
Buelow 1695—Cultivated at the edge of Veitongo cemetery on the northeast side of the village.
Buelow 1881—Cultivated at the edge of Veitongo cemetery on the northeast side of the village.
Whistler 6542—Cultivated at Veitongo cemetery.

‘EUA: 
Whistler 5996—Abandoned village or plantation in at the southwest tip of the island.