Burma simpoh, Stone dillenia tree
Dillenia obovata

Family: Dilleniaceae

What it is like

A tree 20-30 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The trunk is 70 cm thick. The leaves occur in rings and are deep green. The veins are easy to see. The leaves can be 30 cm long. The young leaves are a purplish-brown. The young twigs, leaves and flower buds have soft hairs. The flowers are 15 cm across. The fruit are oval and orange. They are 2.5-5 cm across. There are brown seeds in a clear pulp.

There are about 60 Dillenia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in clear forests at low altitudes. It can grow up to 1800 m altitude. It is best in humus-rich, well-drained soils. It needs a protected, shaded position. It is damaged by drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten in curry.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

The plant can be grown by seeds. They can also be grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Chhe thbal, Pohon sempur batu, Pohon sampur rimba, Simpuh beludu, Simpoh badang, Saan-yai, So trai, So xoan

Synonyms

Colbertia obovata Blume; Dillenia aurea var. harmandii Pierre; Dillenia harmandii Gagnep.;