Begas tree
Discospermum abnorme

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 8 m tall. The leaves are oval to sword shaped and 9-15 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They narrow to the base and to the tip. The flowering groups are in pairs in the axils of leaves. There are several flowers in a group. The flowers are small. They are pale cream or green. The fruit is a flattened round shape and 2-3 cm across. There are several seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In north Thailand it grows between 50-900 m above sea level. It grows in evergreen forests and sometimes along streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit - drink, leaves - coffee

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Boliak-ingsok, Bol-khung-khang, Garo-khukru, Kakoi-chira, Kayu begas, Khukru, Kopi kubu, Pohon kayu begas, Thing-sai

Synonyms

Diplospora abnormis (Korth.) Valeton ex H. J. P. Winkl.; Diplospora singularis Korth.; Discospermum singulare (Korth.) Kuntze; Randia abnormis Korth.; Tricalysia singularis (Korth.) K. Schum.; Vangueria palembanica Miq.; and others