Chemperai
Lepionurus sylvestris

Family: Opiliaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1.5 m tall. The leaves vary in shape. They can be sword shaped or oblong. They are 8-17 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped and it tapers to the tip. The flowers are on tubercles. The fruit is oval, fleshy and orange. They are 1.8 cm long by 1 cm wide. They are on a thickened disk.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 300-1,000 m above sea level in southern China. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, New Guinea, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked with dry fish.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Anapangthuam, Anmang, Cemperai, Lin wei mu

Synonyms

Lepionurus javanicus G. Don [Illegitimate]; Lepionurus oblongifolius (Griff.) Mast.; Lepionurus oblongifolius var. angustifolius Ridl. Lepionurus sylvestris var. lanceolatus Valeton; Leptonium oblongifolium Griff.; Opilia acuminata Wall. ex Baill. [Illegitimate];