Balatong-aso
Maesa laxa
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
An erect shrub 2 to 3 m high. The branches are smooth. The leaves are borne on 3 cm long stout leaf stalks. The leaves are alternate and oval. They are darker on the upper surface. The leaves have tooth like projections along the edge but the ones near the end are smaller. The leaves taper to a point and are broadly rounded at the base. The flowers are white with short stalks which have small bracts below them which remain. The fruit is round and yellowish brown. They are somewhat juicy when ripe and have many seeds.
There are about 200 Maesa species. They are mostly tropical. They are also put in the family Maesaceae. They are also put in the family Myrsinaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They are common in the lower forests or among shrubs on hills throughout the Philippines.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The fruit are edible.
Edible parts
Fruit