Asiatic beechberry, Oval-leafed gmelina
Gmelina asiatica
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A climbing shrub. It has many branches and thorns. The spines when present are short and simple. It grows 3 m high. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is dark brown and becomes rough and cracked with age. The leaves are 2-4 cm long and often have 3 lobes. They are smooth and are paler underneath. The flowers are yellow and bell shaped. They have a prominent lower 'lip'. The fruit are small and pear shaped. They are 2-4 cm across.
There are 33 Gmelina species. They are mostly tropical. Also put in the family Verbenaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is common in undergrowth. It grows in moist places. In southern China it grows in mixed forests between 400-800 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hawaii, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Pakistan, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The ripe fruits are eaten. They are also candied in sugar
The candied fruit are sold in markets.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Anchanh, Annchanh, Badhara, Beri pantain asiatika, Badhra, Bhadra, Bulangan, Cherkumizhi, Chirugummudu, Demata, Gopabhadra, Gopogombhari, Guludu, Gummadi, Kadambal, Kalisewan, Kalshivani, Kumil, Kumizhaniarum, Lahanshivan, Nag-phul, Nagphul, Nondano, Vikarini, Wareng