Cephalanthus tetrandra

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 1-5 m tall. The leaves are opposite or in rings or 3-5. They are narrowly oval and 6-15 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They can be hairy underneath. The flowers are in heads of 1-10. They have tubes that are hairy inside then spoon shaped lobes. The fruiting head is 1-2 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in shady sites and along streams from sea level to 700 m above sea level in southern China. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cephalanthus glabrifolius Hayata; Cephalanthus monas Lour. ex B. A. Gomes; Cephalanthus naucleoides DC. Cephalanthus ratoensis Hayata; Nauclea tetrandra Roxb.;