Note: According to Wagner and Lorence (2011): “Recent molecular phylogenetic studies [DNA studies] and reevaluation of morphological characters have led to the inclusion of Glochidion within a broader delimitation of Phyllanthus.” Therefore, these taxonomists have offered a new species name, Phyllanthus cleistanthoides(Fosberg) W. L. Wagner & Lorence, comb. nov., to replace Glochidion ramiflorum J.R. Forst. & G. Forst and Glochidion puberulum (However, these two Glochidion spp. names have been used by Balick et al. (2009:461-464) in their book dealing with ethnobotany in Pohnpei (also see Falanruw 2015:86). Here we retain the genus name Glochidion for a series of populations of shrubs or small tree in Micronesia discussed below, but we do list the new names as synonyms:

Micronesian Names by Islands or Island Groups:  Ngolm or Ngólem (Palau), Ngumol or Gomol (Yap), Afór or Ofór (Chuuk), Efor (Nomwin), Efar (Namonuito), Mwehk (Pohnpei)

Description: Glochidion ramiflorum is a small to medium-sized, variable woody species up to 10 m (35 ft) or more in height. The simple, alternate, elliptic to lanceolate-shaped leaves are mostly 4-15 cm (1.5-6 in) long with entire margins and the petiole connecting the leaf to stem is often pinkish. Its flowers are tiny and yellowish. The small, greenish, spherical and compressed or grooved fruit capsules split into separate units with reddish seeds when mature

Distribution: Glochidion ramiflorum is found from tropical Asia to the Marquesas Islands in Polynesia, including its occurrence in Vanuatu in Melanesia and the Marianas and Caroline Islands in Micronesia. This relatively small tree is found in both limestone and basaltic soils in primary and secondary forest areas from near the coast to the upland areas of the higher islands; it is also found in grasslands, and fallow vegetation, occasionally in garden areas and sometimes in grazing areas, “often volunteering in fallow vegetation; commonly protected when clearing for new gardens,” and is occasionally found in home gardens” (see Clarke and Thaman 1993). Birds are fond of the fruit and thus disperse the small seeds; for example, “The Micronesian Starling (kiuid) is known to feed on the fruits” in Palau (Kitalong et al. 2008:81).

Uses by Island and Island Group: The sturdy wood of Glochidion spp. is “used in light construction, in tool making, and for firewood; leaves and bark used medicinally throughout the Pacific,” and a reddish dye is “made from the bark in New Guinea” (Clarke and Thaman 1993; also see http://www.comfsm.fm/~dleeling/ethnobotany/text/flora.html). Throughout Micronesia where this woody species is found, the terminal buds of G. ramiflorum are said to be commonly used medicinally to treat appetite. In addition, this woody species is commonly used for firewood throughout the region; and, according to Quattrocchi (2012:1849-1850), parts of G. ramiflorum have been used to “prevent conception of a child” and well as “treating food poisoning.”

Uses in Palau: G. ramiflorum occurs in both limestone and basaltic soils in primary and secondary forest areas on Palau where it is native and known as Ngolm and “the leaves are used as medicine for a variety of illnesses” (Kitalong et al. 2008:81; also see Okabe in Defillips et al. 1988).

Uses in Yap: This small tree, known as Ngumol or Gomol in Yap, is very common near village clearings and in disturbed areas. It may provide sticks and small timbers for houses on a temporary basis, but since it is not an especially hard wood, it does not last very long; however, it is used for firewood, and “because of its rough bark, is a good support for grow­ing Piper betle (‘gabuey’ or pepper leaves) vines to chew with betel nut” (Falanruw 2015:86). Furthermore, G. ramiflorum also has medicinal use in Yap (e.g., see Defillips et al. 1988).

Uses in Chuuk: G. ramiflorum, known as Afór in Chuuk, may provide sticks and small timbers for houses on a temporary basis in Chuuk, but since it is not an especially hard wood it does not last very long. It is also used for firewood in Chuuk (e.g., see Manner 2013:242), where the bark and leaves of this woody species are used to make a poultice to stop bleeding. 

Uses in Pohnpei: According to Balick and his colleagues (2009:463-464), G. ramiflorum, known as Mwehk (or Luwekindinloal) on Pohnpei, has a number of medicinal uses including the following:

“To bathe and be “fresh,” the leaf tips are squeezed into bath water before bathing the body with it… The plant can be used to make medicine taste good in an unspecified way… To use as a charm for women who are nervous about leaving the house… To stimulate a baby’s appetite… To increase appetite… To treat ulcers… To treat pwuhs en seri (a newborn’s belly button)… To treat a cut or infection, the terminal buds are pounded, placed in a cloth, and squeezed onto the cut or infection. This treatment serves as an antibiotic and a styptic. It will sting when applied…To treat depression… To treat depression or stress… To treat abdominal pain… To treat mwopw (asthma)… To treat conjunctivitis (pinkeye)… To treat nan mas pwudong (itchy eyes)… To treat an upset uterus… To cleanse the uterus….”