Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Bischofia javanica
Food
Livestock Forage
Fuelwood
Lumber
Medicinal
Product
English Common Name
Java cedar
Indonesian Common Name
Gadog, Gintungan (Javanese), Kerinjing (Sumatera), Sikkam
Tree Family
Pyllanthaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
5-14cm
Length
×
3-9cm
Width
Tree Height
Large (> 35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1800m
0 3000
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Indonesia

Native to

Region
Asia
Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku Islands, New Guinea, Sulawesi, Sumatra

Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System
Robusta
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Regenerates Naturally
Tree Management

Propagated by seed, natural seedlings, and stem cuttings. Seeds may be collected in large quantities (1 kg contains 61,500-90,000 dry seeds) and stored for up to 6 month. Germination starts 1-3 weeks after sowing. 70% of the seeds germinate in 5-6 weeks. Direct sowing in the field is not recommended due to heavy water requirements of young plants. For pure stands, space at 2 x 3 m or in alternating rows for mixed stands at 1 m x 3 m or 2.5 m x 5 m. Self prunes once the canopy closes after ~5 years. May develop forks as a result of attacks by top and twig-boring insects.

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses
  • Food
  • Livestock Forage
  • Fuelwood
  • Lumber
  • Medicinal
  • Product

The young soft leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The leaves and latex help treat ulcers, parasites, and dysentery. The wood is medium-weight and moderately hard, the heartwood is purplish-brown to reddish-brown and the sapwood is pale brown to pale reddish-brown, with the bark used for dyes and the wood used for versatile, general construction.

Farm Services
  • Coffee Shade
  • Reforestation
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes

Preferred tree of epiphytes and host for orchids.