Endospermum myrmecophilum, commonly known as the whitewood, is a dioecious plant that grows in the tropical islands.

The tree is also native to Vanuatu, an island chain southeast of the Solomons and east-northeast of Australia, in Black Jungle Conservation Reserve, Channel Point, Reynolds River and Melville Island in the Northern Territory.

[3][4][5] Endospermum grows in humid lowland tropical climates where the temperature averages 22–28 °C (72–82 °F), with a mean rainfall of 1.5–5.6 metres (60–220 in) annually.

These conditions include drought, shade, high wind speeds, and salt spray.

[6] Endospermum myrmecophilum is dioecious, i.e., each tree has either male or female flowers, and therefore cannot self-fertilize.

The female flowers lack a style, and have one locule, the compartment in the ovary that contains the ovules.

The species has low seed viability; therefore it is beneficial to raise the plant from cuttings.

Whitewood timber is commonly used for furniture, shingles, moldings as well as other decorative purposes in the islands.

The plant also has medicinal uses; in Vanuatu the bark is used to treat rheumatism and is also used to relieve stomachaches, as is the sap of the tree.

Additionally, the whitewood provides optimal conditions for plants that grow in shady areas.