Callicarpa tomentosa

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The bark is grey. The small branches are angular. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are narrowly oval and taper to the tip. The flowers are purple. The fruit are round and fleshy and have 3-4 seeds.

There are about 140-150 Callicarpa species. Previously in the Verbenaceae family.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forests up to 1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The bark is chewed with betel nut.

Edible parts

Bark, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Arthigidu, Daung-sat-pya, Kyun-nalin, Lahkylk, Mai-hpa, Mai-put, Makpa, Nakeching, Pebok, Rishipathri, Sigyi, Thiriperivelam, Vettliai-pattai

Synonyms

Callicarpa lanata L.; Tomex tomentosa L.; and others