Bridelia stipularis

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub that often lies over. The branches are slender, hang down and are covered with soft brown hairs. The leaves are many and thin. They are carried alternately and the end ones are much smaller. They are covered with fine soft hairs. The flowers are in small compact more or less rounded clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are nearly black when ripe and have an enlarged group of outer leaves which stay on the fruit.

There are about 60 Bridelia species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is common in some areas of the Philippines. In NE India it grows up to 500 m altitude. In southern China it grows near rivers from 100-1,500 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used to make pickles.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In India plants flower and fruit September to March.

Its other names

Local names

Asana, Babu janga, Bisalballi, Chenderai gajah, Cheruka, Cherukapanachi, Gaurkarsi, Harinhara, Hatsakun pi, Hlekan, Hom homali, Kandri kebo, Kangiabel, Kanyere aroi, Kanyere badak, Kenidai babi, Kenidai samak, Kerenan, Khaji, Kolia lata, Koto-koto, Kutki, Lahpawkru, Lota mandi, Lubalub, Mouhilika, Mou silikha, Mulluvenga, Panachi, Pat khowi, Risan-um, Sagol laderi, Sepaph, Thebhi

Synonyms

Bridelia scandens (Roxb.) Willd.;