Debregeasia saeneb

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows about 4 m high. The branches are hairy. The leaves are alternate and long and narrow. They are toothed along the edge and with 3 veins. They are thickly white underneath. The leaves are 7-15 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm wide. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. The flowers are reddish. The occur in heads in the axils of leaves. The fruit is orange. It is studded with small nutlets.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in Nepal between 1000-2400 m altitude. It grows along the banks of streams. In SW China it grows between 1,700-2,300 m above sea level. It grows in high mountain valleys.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, China, East Africa, Ethiopia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Laos, Middle East, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Yemen

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw or fresh and are sweet in taste.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by cuttings or seeds.

In SW China it flowers in March to April and fruits May to July.

Its other names

Local names

Ajilae, Ajlai, Chajul, Dalah, Mermandai, Pincho, Sansaru, Siaru, Sonsore, Syanru, Tusaaro, Tusare, Tusarra, Tushiari

Synonyms

Boehmeria salicifolia D. Don; Boehmeria hypoleuca Hochst. ex A. Richard; Debregeasia hypoleuca (Hochst. ex A Rich.) Weddell; Debregeasia bicolor (Roxb.) Weddell; Debregeasia salicifolia (D. Don) Rendle; Morocarpus salicifolius (D. Don) Blume; Procris hypoleuca Steud.; Rhus saeneb Forsskal; Urtica bicolor Roxburgh;