Alangier, Chinese alangium
Alangium chinense

Family: Cornaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-5 m tall. The young branches are hairy. The leaves are oval and 8-20 cm long by 5-12 cm wide. Underneath their are hairs where the veins join. There are 3-15 flowers in a group. The flowers are 2 cm across. The fruit is oval and 5-7 mm across. There is one seed.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on the edges of forests and in exposed places below 2,500 m above sea level. It needs well-drained moist soils. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Cameroon, China, East Africa, Ethiopia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tibet, Vietnam, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Spice, oil

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Firfire, Pohon alangi cina, Singarey, Umuruundambaazo

Synonyms

Stylidium chinense Lour.;