Erima tree
Octomeles sumatrana
Family: Tetramelaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 60-75 m tall. The trunk is straight and can be 3-4 m across. The bark is grey and cracked. The small branches are 3 angled. The leaves are simple and arranged in spirals. They are heart shaped and 12-30 cm long by 6-23 cm wide. Male and female flowers are separate. Male flowering shoots are 20-60 cm long and female ones 8-12 cm long. Flowers are bell shaped. The fruiting bodies are made up of 100 fruit. The fruit are capsules 11-14 mm long. The outer layer is dark green and the inner is yellow. The seeds are small.
Also put in the family Datisaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows on riverbanks and alluvial soil. It grows up to 1,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands
How it is used for food
Young leaves are cooked as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Banuang, Baring, Benuang, Bilus, Binua, Binuang bini, Pohon binuang, Pohon erima, Sanew, Tabanwang