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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Tonga

Tonga's climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for native trees to flourish. The region is home to three emblematic trees: Necklacepod, Tropical almond, and Papaya. These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance within Tonga, showcasing its rich biodiversity. While not delving into elaborate details, it is important to note that these trees contribute to the overall beauty and ecological balance of the region.

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Most Common Trees
Necklacepod
1. Necklacepod
Sophora tomentosa, also known as necklacepod, yellow necklacepod, and occasionally as silver bush, is a pantropical shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae. It commonly ranges in height from 1.2 to 3 m and often occurs in coastal conditions and near wetlands. The common name Necklacepod is derived from the characteristic string of seed pods that develop after its yellow flowers germinate into seeds. Necklacepod is a nectar plant for bees, butterflies, and in parts of the Americas hummingbirds as well. It is suggested for use by native plant enthusiasts in Florida as a good landscape plant for xeriscaping but it only naturally occurs in coastal counties in the central and southern part of the state, while closely related varieties occur in Texas, and the Caribbean. The variety of Necklacepod growing in Australia is considered an endangered species in some areas due to the clearing of coastal habitat and displacement by invasive species. In Sri Lanka, the plant is known as Moodu Murunga. The inedible pod has some similarities to the Murunga (Drumstick) pod. It has been used to make fish poisons, insect and spider repellents etc., esp in Africa.
Plant Height:
1.2 m to 3 m
Tropical almond
2. Tropical almond
Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.
Plant Height:
35 m
Simpleleaf chastetree
3. Simpleleaf chastetree
You will find simpleleaf chastetree (Vitex trifolia) growing as a large shrub in coastal tropical climates from East Africa to Polynesia. The plant's Latin name 'Vitex' dates all the way back to the writings of Pliny, and 'trifloria' refers to the way the shrub's leaves grow in groups of three.
Plant Height:
4 m
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Papaya
4. Papaya
Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.
Plant Height:
6 m to 10 m
Ear-leaved nightshade
5. Ear-leaved nightshade
Ear-leaved nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) is a small shrub species that can live up to thirty years. Ear-leaved nightshade is native to South America, including Northern Argentina, Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand and Australia, where is it known as tobacco bush weed. All parts of this plant, especially the berries, are toxic to humans.
Plant Height:
2 m to 4 m
Beach sheoak
6. Beach sheoak
Beach sheoak (Casuarina equisetifolia) is a flowering evergreen tree that is considered invasive in some areas. Beach sheoak replaces native trees and disturbs their natural habitat. Beach sheoak produces a woody fruit that attract birds. It does not grow well in cold temperatures and is intolerant to frost. This species grows well in coastal areas and tolerates salty soil.
Plant Height:
30 m
Mentigi
7. Mentigi
Mentigi is a rare flowering mangrove tree that grows along sandy and rocky coasts. There are only a few species in mainland China, but it is more numerous on the country’s restricted offshore islands. Seeds and live plants are often cultivated as bonsai.
Plant Height:
1 m to 11 m
Pomelo
8. Pomelo
Pomelo (*Citrus grandis*) is a greenish, tropical and subtropical fruit originally that is larger than any other citrus fruit on the planet (thus the species name - 'grandis'). Though it is the ancestor of the commonly cultivated grapefruit (citrus x paradisi), the pomelo has a thick, hard-to-peel rind and doesn’t have a lot of juice. Nevertheless, it is commonly eaten in Southeast Asia.
Plant Height:
5 m to 15 m
Glory bower
9. Glory bower
Glory bower (Volkameria inermis) can be found growing natively in Southeast Asia, India, Australia, and some Pacific Islands. Its evergreen branches can take the form of a bush or a climber. Its tough nature and good response to trimming make it a great selection for creating topiaries or hedges. The flowers are so fragrant that they often overwhelm other scents in the area!
Plant Height:
1.8 m to 2.5 m
Tree-heliotrope
10. Tree-heliotrope
Tree-heliotrope (Heliotropium foertherianum) is a small, often very low-growing tropical tree which can withstand coastal wind and saline soil. Its easily worked wood is suitable for handicrafts, tools, and even the frames of goggles. In some places, it has been overharvested for use as firewood.
Plant Height:
3.5 m
Breadfruit
11. Breadfruit
Breadfruit (*Artocarpus altilis*) is a tree grown in numerous locations around the world for its edible food, which is a staple in various countries. Breadfruit is native to New Guinea, the Malibu Islands, and the Philippines.
Plant Height:
9 m to 15 m
American sycamore
12. American sycamore
When you think of a american sycamore, size may be the first thing to come to mind. This deciduous tree can reach heights of 23 to 30 m tall and has leaves that resemble those of a maple tree. The trunk of the american sycamore is larger than that of any other native tree, with mature trees having recorded diameters up to 4.5 m.
Plant Height:
30 m to 40 m
Mango tree
13. Mango tree
Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.
Plant Height:
10 m to 20 m
Looking-glass mangrove
14. Looking-glass mangrove
Looking-glass mangrove (Heritiera littoralis) is a species of large tree found in the tropics. It grows primarily along seashores - a fact reflected in its specific epithet. Its tough, saltwater-resistant wood makes it ideal for shipbuilding. Looking-glass mangrove produces leathery "winged" fruits.
Plant Height:
10 m
Sea poison tree
15. Sea poison tree
Sea poison tree, or Barringtonia asiatica, is an ornamental tree with box-shaped fruit. The trees are native to the mangroves of the Indian Ocean and the fruit is carried on the ocean currents. All parts of this tree are poisonous.
Plant Height:
6 m to 20 m
Tamanu
16. Tamanu
Tamanu is a tropical Asian evergreen plant. It is a significant source of timber for large outrigger ship construction. It is also a source of the culturally essential tamanu oil, which Polynesians used for traditional medicine.
Plant Height:
11 m to 15 m
Sea hibiscus
17. Sea hibiscus
Sea hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum) is a flowering plant species commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. The flowers of sea hibiscus are bright yellow with a red center. As the blossoms age, the flowers turn to a darker orange before falling off the plant.
Plant Height:
4 m to 10 m
Kirala
18. Kirala
Kirala is a picturesque mangrove species often found anchoring in saline coastal environments, which contribute to its stunted and hardy nature. It sports lush leaves with a glossy appearance that helps in reflecting excess sunlight. The distinctive reddish-brown wood coupled with star-shaped flowers adds to its unique charm, confirming its role as an integral component of its delicate ecosystem.
Plant Height:
25 m
Lantern tree
19. Lantern tree
Lantern tree has a soft timber historically used for canoes and tinder. It is an evergreen perennial naturally found along coastlines in tropical climates. The seeds of the lantern tree contain oil, which can be used to make candles. It is viewed as an ornamental.
Plant Height:
5 m to 22 m
Bishop Wood
20. Bishop Wood
In the jungles of Assam (a state in northern India), tigers scratch bishop Wood (Bischofia javanica) to mark their territory. In China, the aboriginal people consider bishop Wood to be sacred. Some people use the fruit of the tree to make wine.
Plant Height:
40 m
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More Plants in Tonga

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Tonga's warm, humid climate and fertile volcanic soil provide an ideal environment for diverse flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of , , and is a testament to the region's capacity to support such hazardous species, fostering both ecological diversity and human caution in handling local vegetation.

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Most Common Flowers

Tonga, with its tropical climate and fertile soil, provides ideal conditions for a rich variety of native flowers to flourish. Among these, , , and stand out as the most characteristic. These flowers not only add to the visual beauty of the region, but also hold deep symbolic and ecological significance. Reliable sources validate the information presented, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring awakens in Tonga, the environment transforms, offering a canvas for local flora to flaunt their colors. Flowers like , , and emerge, heralding the season's arrival. These blooms not only add vibrancy to the landscape but often carry deep cultural symbolism and are integral to local festivities and traditions, reflecting the island's rich botanical heritage.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In Tonga, Spring unfurls with gentle warmth and renewing rains, ideal for nurturing fruit-laden landscapes. This season, local orchards and gardens burgeon with , , and , each fruit gleaming with the freshness of the vernal breeze. These spring-harvested fruits, pivotal to local diets and customs, are savored for their seasonal vitality and cultural resonance.

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Most Common Fruits

Tonga's warm, subtropical climate and fertile volcanic soil make it an ideal location for the proliferation of local fruit plants, ensuring a perennial bounty. Among the most treasured are , , and , which not only thrive in these conditions but also hold a place of cultural reverence among the inhabitants. Their cultivation and consumption are closely intertwined with Tongan traditions and way of life, reflecting the island's rich botanical heritage.

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Most Common Weeds

Tonga's warm, tropical climate provides an ideal environment for various garden weeds to flourish. Among the invasive species, , , and are notably pervasive, often outcompeting native flora. These weeds present continual challenges for local gardeners, necessitating regular management efforts to curtail their spread and mitigate their impact on agricultural and natural landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

In the fertile soils warmed by a tropical climate and regular rainfall, Tonga nurtures a rich diversity of flora. Among these, towering trees such as , , and hold dominion over the skies, exemplifying ecological majesty. Their impressive height is a testament to the island's ability to support such grand specimens, which play crucial roles both within their ecosystems and in Tongan cultural legacies. These trees stand as natural monuments, their lofty canopies a weave of green against the Pacific blue.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Tonga may be cold and serene, but it is also the season when certain flowers bravely bloom. Despite the chill, , , and showcase their resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth. These winter blooms bring a touch of color and life to the frosty environment, reminding us of nature's ability to flourish even in the harshest of conditions.

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Most Common Plants

In Tonga, you can find Chinese hibiscus, Ti plant, Madagascar periwinkle, Hawai'i desert-thorn, Giant potato creeper, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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