Bread flower vine
Vallaris solanacea

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A large twining shrub or tree. It grows 10 m long. The bark is smooth and it has a yellowish-white covering. The stems have milky sap. The leaves are 5-12 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. They are sword shaped. The groups of flowers are in the axils of leaves. The flowers are white and have a scent. The fruit is 10-15 cm long by 3-5 cm wide.

There are 5 or 6 Vallaris species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In southern China it grows in forest thickets and along streams from sea level to 2,700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flowers and fruit are edible.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bhadramunja, Bhadravalli, Bonokonerinoi, Bugadi, Chama nat, Chamari-ki-vel, Dudhe lahara, Dudhi bel, Dudhi, Gohingia, Haparmali, Hopormoli, Jokhuni-lew, Jookamallechettu, Karilew, Kerak nasi, Kesidang, Khinbok, Madhumaalati, Mai-soh-sangia, Nabu-nwe, Nityamalle, Pallamalletivva, Puttupodarayayala, Ramsar, Safed bel, Vishalayakrit

Synonyms

Peltanthera solanacea Roth; Vallaris heynii Spreng.;