China laurel, Sour currant shrub
Antidesma acidum

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub 2-3 m tall. It can be a tree 13 m high. The branches are round with fine hairs but become smooth and grey. The leaves are alternate. They are broadly oval and 3.5-9 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The leaf stalk is hairy and 2-5 mm long. The flower arrangement is like a spike. It can be at the end of branches or in the axils of upper leaves. It is hairy and 3-10 cm long. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Flowers are about 1.5 mm wide. The fruit is fleshy with a stone inside. It is flattened and hairy. It is 4 mm long. It turns blue when ripe. The stone has a netlike surface. It is 3.5 mm across.

There are about 100-170 Antidesma species. These were previously in the Euphorbiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in secondary forest. In Nepal it grows from 150-1300 m altitude. In Yunnan in China it grows between 200-1500 m above sea level. It grows in secondary forest. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh or pickled. They are acidic. The young leaves are used in curries to give them a sour taste. They are a substitute for tamarind. The leaves can be preserved for later use. They are used for pickles. The fresh harvested leaves can only be stored for 3-4 days.

The fruit are especially eaten by children. They are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, stem

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

In NE Thailand fruit are available March to September.

Its other names

Local names

Aburok, Abutenga, Abutenga, Amali, Amari, Amli, Amrul, Amta, Amtu, Archal, Areepazham, Ariporian, Asarippuli, Chouding, Ching heiyen, Ching yensil, Ching yensin, Chutki, Dakhi, Dhakki, Dieng-japeu, Dieng-japen, Elna, Ghondurili, Guo hua, Huli soppu, Iheri, Ingchum, Ingsum, Ing-sum-arong, Jamula, Kali khatai, Kantjer, Karrihulipa, Katma, Khatua, Khotura, Kim-ma-lin, Kundui, Lapasaiko, Lapha saikho, Mak mao, Mao soi, Markmao, Marmuri, Matha arak, Mau, Migana kudi, Mutta, Nekhon tenga, Nekhon-tenga, Noolithali, Nunnunia, Pa che e si, Pellagumudu, Pulleru, Sabheli baji, Sannagooge, Saroti, Saru heloch, Sarwat, Sirupulli, Surpela, Thurte-an, Tramuech

Synonyms

Antidesma diandrum (Roxb.) Heyne ex Roth.; Antidesma lanceolarium (Roxb.) Wall.; Antidesma wallichianum Presl.; Stilago diandra Roxb.; and others