It has been used as an indicator species to identify 19th century sites of indigenous occupation in the Solomon Islands.

This species was named by the German botanist Georg Volkens, who carried out research in the Caroline and Mariana Islands and at the then Buitenzorg Botanical Gardens in Jawa.

While the species has a wide distribution, large population and there are no current and future major threats, there is pressure from logging and deforestation and this results in a precautionary rating of Least Concern.

The Yachai people of the Mappi Regency, West Papua, use the tree for canoe-making, but the supply has been much reduced by logging.

19th Century areas of settlement, swiddens and taro field terraces are marked by forest stands with the species, recognisable in aerial photography.

[10] People living in Bangus and Mariawai villages, East Sepik Province, PNG use the raw sap of the plant administered topically to treat ulcers.