Brasswood
Hypobathrum microcarpum

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 2-12 m tall. The trunk is 10-35 cm across. The small branches are 4 sided. They have furrows along them. The leaves are opposite and simple and have short stalks. They vary in shape. They are oval or sword shaped and taper towards both ends. The base is wedge shaped and extends along the leaf stalk. Young leaves are hairy. The leaves are dark green and shiny above and dull green to yellow underneath. They are 5-25 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are in spikes in the axils of the leaves. They are small and almost without stalks. There are 1-3 spikes together in the axils of the bracts. There are many flowers. The flowers are 4 mm across. The fruit is stalked and oval. They are berries about 7 mm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Indonesia from sea level to 500 m above sea level. It is usually in moist places in forests and near water. It can be along rivers and on hillsides. It can also be on limestone.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The young leaves and tips are eaten raw as a vegetable. The young leaves are also steamed and eaten.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Apit, Babalan, Kayu klayu, Kihapit

Synonyms

Petunga microcarpa (Blume) DC.;