Scientific name: Thespesia populnea
Common names: Milo, Pacific Rosewood
The Portia tree is a versatile evergreen tree belonging to the mallow family (Malvaceae). Native to tropical coastal regions worldwide—spanning parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, and various Pacific islands—it thrives in sandy, saline soils and is often found along beaches where it helps stabilize shorelines.
The tree typically reaches heights of 6–10 meters (20–33 ft), forming a broad, rounded canopy. It has shiny, heart-shaped leaves which range from 8 to 15 centimeters in length, resembling those of poplar trees (hence its Latin name populnea). The blooms are hibiscus-like, featuring bright yellow petals and a maroon or dark purple center. They open in the morning and wither by the end of the day. After flowering, spherical seed capsules develop, each containing multiple seeds
Widely distributed across the tropics, the Portia tree is especially abundant in coastal ecosystems where it endures high winds, salt spray, and periodic flooding. Its robust root network stabilizes sandy shorelines against erosion and makes it a natural choice for rehabilitating coastal areas.
Renowned for its attractive, fine-grained wood—often referred to as “milo wood”—it is traditionally used for carvings, musical instruments, furniture, and decorative bowls.
- Medicinal Uses: In various folk traditions, the bark, leaves, and flowers have been employed in remedies for minor skin ailments, wounds, and infections.
- Ornamental Value: Gardeners in tropical regions often plant Portia trees for shade, windbreaks, and their vibrant, eye-catching flowers.
- Coastal Erosion Control: With its hardy roots, the Portia tree helps prevent coastal erosion and provides habitat for wildlife in beach environments.