Description:Glochidion kanehirae is glabrous woody shrub or small tree species is characterized by female flowers with a small, depressed-globose pistil 1–1.5 mm long with a very short stylar column 0.5 mm long. Certain collections of this woody species from Yap have been identified as Glochidion cf. ramiflorum, and certain collections from Palau have been identified as Glochidion palauense [also see in this data base under Glochidion ramiflorum].

Distribution: Wagner and Lorence (2011) identify this Glochidiom species as Phyllanthus kanehirae, and describe its distribution in Micronesia:

“Caroline Islands: Palau (Peleliu, Koror including the Rock Islands of Mecherchar, Ngeruktabel, Ulebsechel and Urukthapel, and also known from Babeldaob [Fosberg et al. 1979; Wagner et al. unpubl.]), Yap (Yap Island), and Chuuk (Moen Island, also Tol, Udot, Uman, Dublon, Fano, Fanurmot [Fosberg et al. 1979; Wagner et al. unpubl.]). On Palau it is restricted to limestone substrate from near sea level to about 200 m elevation in coastal forest with species of Bruguiera, Heritiera, Semecarpus, Osmoxylon, and Phyllanthus, and in lowland evergreen forest with Horsfieldia and Phyllanthus and agroforest. On Chuuk it occurs near sea level (3 m) in coastal forest interspersed with mangroves and on slopes of unknown elevation in agroforest and secondary vegetation. On Yap it occurs from near sea level at the edge of mangrove vegetation and on slopes up to 40 m with secondary vegetation.”

Uses in Chuuk: The shrubs or small trees of Glochidion kanehirae (or Phyllanthus kanehirae?) are known in Chuuk as Emweses, and are closely related to Afór (Glochidion ramiflorum) which has smaller leaves and smaller fruits than Emweses. There are also some differences in wood and bark between these species in the genus Glochidion. Both Afór and Emweses trees are considered to be native tree species in Chuuk. More information on this putative species and its use is needed.