Terminalia richii, with the common name malili, is an upright forest tree species native to the central South Pacific in Oceania.

In fact, the genus name Terminalia comes from the Latin word terminus, which refers to the leaves appearing at the furthest tips of the shoots.

[1] Flowers of Terminalia richii are generally a blend of yellow and white and are located at the end of the branches.

[1] Malili (Terminalia richii) is an endangered species found in the lowland areas and lower montane forests of the Samoan archipelago.

In addition, the tree was also found in the central South Pacific island of Niue, but is now extinct in the wild and in recent years has been reintroduced in trial wood lots.

[2] Because of agricultural activities and numerous cyclones, the population of Malili has declined dramatically, making it endangered.

[1] It grows in a variety of elevations but is usually found in both lower montane forests and lowland tropical rainforests.

Species of birds including pigeons, doves and bats are pollinators of Malili and are also used for seed dispersal.

In addition, Malili is a preferable tree to use for its timber because of its fast initial growth and a higher resistance to cyclones compared to the rest of the plantation in Samoa.

[1] The lowland forests of Samoa are damaged and degraded because of a dramatic increase in agricultural activity and deforestation.

Thirdly, the native vine Merremia peltata (which has become an invasive species in other areas) has interfered with the regeneration of the forestry.

[3] Since Terminalia richii is popular for its timber, it should be conserved and sustained to prevent complete extinction.