dibawabawa

Dibawabawa is a species of flowering plant in the legume family that is native to the tropical lowland forests of the Valoria archipelago. It is typically found as a shrub or small tree, usually reaching 3–6 meters in height, with a dense evergreen canopy. The leaves are compound, with three to seven leaflets; flowers occur in loose panicles and are usually pale pink to white, followed by slender pods about 8–12 cm long containing two to four seeds.

Dibawabawa favors moist, well-drained soils in primary and secondary forest, from sea level up to about 350 meters in elevation. It commonly grows along riverbanks and shaded slopes. The plant is pollinated by native bees and nectar-feeding birds, and its seeds are dispersed by frugivorous birds and larger mammals. Its phenology is tied to the regional wet season, during which flowering and fruiting peak.

In local Valorian communities, dibawabawa has ethnobotanical uses. Bark decoctions are used in traditional remedies for skin conditions, while the wood is valued for carving and making tool handles because of its strength. Beads and small ornaments are sometimes fashioned from the seeds and pods, reflecting a cultural association with the plant.

Conservation concerns center on habitat loss due to logging and forest fragmentation. Dibawabawa is regarded as vulnerable within regional assessments, with several populations occurring inside protected areas. Sustainable harvesting and agroforestry programs are under consideration to reduce pressure on wild stands.