Drypetes assamica

Family: Putranjivaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 6-13.5 m tall. The bark is thin and ashy. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The branches are slender and hang down. The leaves are oblong and narrow and have teeth along the edge. The leaves are leathery and shiny green. The flowers are in groups with a single sex in a group. They are yellow. The fruit are round to oval and deep red when ripe. They have 2 seeds.

Also put in the family Euphorbiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. In north India it grows up to 750 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are sour.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In NE India plants flower and fruit October to April.

Its other names

Local names

Ban bokul, Chipla, Dieng-pankher, Dukaha, Jiaput, Phang-gait arong

Synonyms

Cyclostemon assamicus Hook.f.;