Metroxylon vitiense

Description

Metroxylon vitiense (vitiense - originating in Fiji, also known as the Fiji sago palm) is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae, endemic to the islands of Fiji (hence its specific name vitiense, "of Viti", meaning Fiji in Fijian), Ovalau, and Vanua Levu in Fiji. There is only one confirmed occurrence of M. vitiense on Vanua Levu, just outside Savusavu. Despite it being considered a threatened species by the IUCN, as of February 2013 M. vitiense was still unprotected by Fijian regulations and international legislation. It has also been reported from the nearby islands of Wallis and Futuna. Metroxylon vitiense, like many species of Metroxylon, has previously been classified under the genera Coelococcus and Sagus. M. vitiense was previously classified as Coelococcus vitiensis (H. Wendl. ex Seem.) and Sagus vitiensis (H. Wendl. ex Seem.), although these are now non-preferred scientific names. The palm is also known by the following names in Fiji: soga, sogo, seko, and niu soria.