About Ifit
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Intsia bijuga, locally called ifit, is a hard wood tree desired on Guam and throughout the Marianas for its durability and naturally pest resistant qualities. Because of these qualities and the plight of termites within old-fashioned wooden homes, ifit is locally harvested to make tables, chairs, benches and household items such as clocks and ornaments. But beware! Today, under Guam law, it is illegal to cut live ifit, so source your ifit wisely!
The tree is characterized by its smooth and round trunk covered in white bark. Its leaves are often described as being “goat-hooved,” as the leaves often form in pairs and curve slightly toward one another- a tell-tell feature that distinguishes ifit from other native trees. If one were to walk beneath a mature ifit, one might notice pod-like features hanging from its branches. That is because ifit, like many pod-producing species, is a member of the pea family. Incredible!
The native habitat of ifit is the limestone forests of Guam. Often accompanying ifit are other native tree species such as Ficus, Aglaia, Eugenia and Cynometra- just to name a few. Due to urbanization and harvesting, few large ifit trees wide enough to carve into table or bench exist within the local municipalities.
To witness the true gravity and size of this species, one must venture into the untouched limestone forests of northern Guam where this species can thrive and grow to much larger dimensions- a sight for sore eyes! We hope that our children will one day be able to witness to true beauty of ifit in the home and in the wild. There is hope yet! Conservationists are working hard to keep this species alive and well and with the longevity this hardwood tree, we are sure to see ifit art for many years to come. Biba ifit!
Writing and images contributed by Domanique Smith.
The tree is characterized by its smooth and round trunk covered in white bark. Its leaves are often described as being “goat-hooved,” as the leaves often form in pairs and curve slightly toward one another- a tell-tell feature that distinguishes ifit from other native trees. If one were to walk beneath a mature ifit, one might notice pod-like features hanging from its branches. That is because ifit, like many pod-producing species, is a member of the pea family. Incredible!
The native habitat of ifit is the limestone forests of Guam. Often accompanying ifit are other native tree species such as Ficus, Aglaia, Eugenia and Cynometra- just to name a few. Due to urbanization and harvesting, few large ifit trees wide enough to carve into table or bench exist within the local municipalities.
To witness the true gravity and size of this species, one must venture into the untouched limestone forests of northern Guam where this species can thrive and grow to much larger dimensions- a sight for sore eyes! We hope that our children will one day be able to witness to true beauty of ifit in the home and in the wild. There is hope yet! Conservationists are working hard to keep this species alive and well and with the longevity this hardwood tree, we are sure to see ifit art for many years to come. Biba ifit!
Writing and images contributed by Domanique Smith.