Native Fruit Trees in the Tropics: Locally Important and Often Disregarded Elsewhere – The Example of the Endemic Canarium Harveyi Seem. (Burseraceae) in the South-West Pacific

Abstract Native fruit and multipurpose trees are integral parts of traditional agroforestry systems worldwide. Across the Pacific region, local island communities have selected and cultivated such trees since pre-historic times. Political ambitions attempt to promote local and traditional products which preserve such agroforestry systems. Canarium harveyi in the pantropical Burseraceae family is called a “lesser known Oceanic food plant”. It is endemic to the south-western part of the Pacific region, where it has had cultural significance as a multipurpose tree since pre-historic times. It is an important food source with edible seeds possessing a high oil content, and it provides timber for canoes and building, however it is hardly known beyond its restricted area of distribution and use. This review gathers available scientific literature and provides an overview of the current status of knowledge about C. harveyi . Four varieties have been described. It is a medium-sized forest tree with a dense canopy, normally growing up to 15–20 m. It can often be found planted near villages or in secondary forests. Its conservation status is unknown. Human selection pressure worked towards bigger fruits and trees with fruit shells which are easier to crack open. As a result, large-fruited individuals can be found in gardens and near villages. Despite its local importance as a food source and multipurpose tree, C. harveyi has never been commercialised. Little research has been conducted so far concerning its commercial value, market suitability, and other trade characteristics. Available gene bank accessions of C. harveyi are very rare. No breeding and crop improvement work are taking place, anywhere in the world. Research into floral biology, reproductive and seed biology, true-to-type propagation, harvest techniques, post-harvest treatment including storage and packaging are suggested as part of a future possible commercialisation of the species.