Canthium parviflorum
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It is 4-10 m high. It has long straight spines. The leaves are broadly oval. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are small and yellow.
There are about 200 Canthium species. Canthium parvifolium Roxb. is a legitimate name and Canthium parviflorum Lam. is a synonoym of Canthium coromandelicum (Burm. f) Alston.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It will grow on most soils. It is best in a wet soil and a pH of 7.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten peeled as the skin has a sour taste. They are also used in pickles and curries. The young leaves are cooked as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, stems, fruit
How it is grown
It can be used as a hedge plant.
It is slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Balusaku, Balusu, Chak kralik, Kaara keerai, Kaarai palam, Kadbar, Kar, Karai, Katbor, Kirma, Kirni, Kodhab, Periyakarai