Dalbergia pinnata

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A large woody climber. It loses it leaves during the year. The small branches are twisted. The leaves are unequal at the base. The flowers are white and have long stalks. The fruit are small pods and are like straps. They are brown.

It is used as a medicinal plant.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In southern China it grows in dense forests below 1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Tibet, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are chewed with betel nut. The bark is also chewed with betel leaves.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, bark

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amlai lewa, Cham-bia an-trau, Dat bijli, Laleng chali, Magyi-nwe, Subin rikang

Synonyms

Amerimnom pinnatum Lour.; Dalbergia tamarandifolia Roxb.; Derris pinnata Lour; and others