Benkara fasciculata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 6 m tall. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are narrowly oval and 3-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are hairy near the veins underneath. The flowering shoots are near the ends of the branches. The fruit is a round berry 1-1.5 cm across. It is hairy and has a sepal cup at the crown.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in lowland and hill forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, India, Indochina, Malaysia, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Akar duri, Akar kuku lang, Semia

Synonyms

Fagerlindia fasciculata (Roxb.) Tirveng.; Gardenia fasciculata (Roxb.) Spreng.; Menestoria rigida (Wall.) DC.; Randia fasciculata (Roxb.) DC.; Solena fasciculata (Roxb.) D. Dietr.; and others