Description: The genus Decaspermum derives its name from Greek word deka (“ten”) and sperma (a seed), together referring to the average number of seeds in each fruit of plants in this genus (Quattrocchi 2012). Decaspermum parviflorum (often referred to by the synonym D. fruticosum) is commonly an erect shrub or small tree, sometimes may reach heights of about 15 to 20 m (~45 to 60 ft). D. parviflorum can be identified by its pinkish young leaves, mature leaves that are pointed at the tips, and purple fruits. The leaves are also opposite, ovate or lanceolate-ovate, up to 8 cm (3 in) or more in length, 1 to 3 cm (1/3-1 in) wide; in addition, the leaves are often silky on the undersides when young, becoming smooth when old. The flowers are white or pink and are borne on terminal panicles or from the upper leaf axils. The fruit is rounded, flattened, 5 to 8 mm (2-3 in) thick, and terminated by the calyx crown which turns red when ripe.

Distribution: As a woody species, Decaspermum parviflorum is a widespread native from tropical eastern India through southern China to Taiwan southward through Southeast Asia to Australia, eastward to the Mariana and Western Caroline Islands. D. parviflorum it is very closely allied to D. fruticosum, and is normally found on soils of volcanic origin, often in Micronesia as elsewhere; as a more or less pioneering species, its typical habitat is in secondary forest and primary forest margins (i.e., in disturbed savanna grassland environments, e.g., see Falanruw et al. 1987:8 as D. fruticosum). Note: another unique species of Decaspermum reported as found in Western Micronesia, specifically in Palau is Decaspermum raymundii Diels; two botanists with much experience in the Micronesian flora both had their reservations about the validity of this species:

“…Fosberg et al. (1979) and Stone (1970) doubted that this taxon was distinct enough from D. parviflorum (Lamarck) A. J. Scott to validate the application of a separate species name. However, Scott (1979) accepts the name and lists it as endemic to Babeldaob. The former authors were the most experienced in the flora of the region, however the later author specialized in this genus. Further study will enable its delimitation with confidence” (Costion et al. 2009:142).

Uses by Island or Island Group in Micronesia:

Uses in Palau: Decaspermum fruticosum, is reportedly known as Kertaku or Kerdak in Palauan, and is said to be used by some in local therapeutic mixtures with other plants as a ritualistic cleansing medicine for first menstration (Kitalong et al. 2011:67). In addition, D. parviflorum is one of among more than 40 plants in Palau from which parts are utilized in Ngasech, the significant Palauan first born ceremony.Citing the Palau Society of Historians (1998), Meked Besebes and Josepha Kintoki (2014) in their essay entitled “Pregnancy and Birth Practices in Palau,” refer to Decaspermum parviflorum as one of the plant species collected for the “omengat” the last steam bathing of the “new mother.” This specially prepared and applied Palauan bath is the final stage of the after birth healing process:

“In reparation for the omengat, the mesurech [a knowledgeable woman skilled in giving the hot bath] goes out to different areas to collect leaves, herbs, and flowers to be boiled for steaming purposes (see Table 1). During the omengat, a hollow stool is prepared for the mother to sit on. The bliukel (steam hut) is covered completely to keep the heat from escaping the hut. While sitting on a toilet-like bench (osekoakl), a basin with the hot medicinal water is placed under her, allowing a refreshing aromatic steam to enter the woman’s private area and thus continue the healing that began during the omesurech. A basket of boiled giant [or swamp] taro (brak [Cyrtosperma merkusii]) will also be placed around the mlechell [new mother] inside the bliukel.”

Besebes and Kintoki (2014:153) listed some of the other species associated with this healing process for new mothers as including Redechel ongor (Pandanus tectorius Parkinson ex Du Roi), bachiei, keskus er a bleuu (Cymbopogon citratus), keskus er a ked, sau, kukiut (Cassytha filiformis L.), kobesos, eamel, kertaku (Decaspermum parviflorum), cheskiik (Eurya japonica Thunb), ochod(?). Ngasech, is a very important Palauan ceremony as it is a true celebration of life, honoring human birth, in this case a woman’s first born, and as such it unites people and enhances cultural roles among men, women, families, and clans (see Besebes and Kintoki 2014).

Uses in Yap: Decaspermum parviflorum(syn. D. fruticosum), reportedly known as Wolgow or Warrarg in Yap, occurs as a characteristic shrub or woody species in some early successional or disturbed habitats such as in the ravine scrub forest within the savanna grassland areas “thought to be the result of destruction of the forest vegetation, particularly by fire, loss of the humus layer, and exposure of the soil to rain and sun” (e.g., see Falanruw et al. 1987:7-8, referring to D. fruticosum). The woody D. parviflorum shrub appears to have traditional medicinal importance in Yap; for example, according to Okabe (see Defillips et al. 1988), the leaves of this species were crushed together with those of Glochidion ramiflorum and Epipremnum carolinensis to press out the juices from these plants and then drink them together with coconut milk three times a day to treat stomach ache.

Uses in Mariana Islands: Decaspermum fruticosum (syn. D. fruticosum) can be found among the woody species in the savanna regions that occur in the Mariana Islands, e.g., typically in areas of southern Guam; these grassland areas are assumed by some to be native (e.g., see Hunter-Anderson 2009). Although relatively small areas of this savanna vegetation are probably native, especially in naturally disturbed areas; this grassland dominated habitat has been greatly extended in these islands by human intervention, conscious and unwittingly over a long time. Decaspermum fruticosum as a shrub or small tree can reportedly be used as an excellent plant for miniaturizing through the cultivated art of bonsai (Moore and McMakin 1979:70).