Erythroxylum cuneatum

Family: Erythroxylaceae

What it is like

A small or large tree. They can grow 2.5 to 30 m high. The trunk is up to 35-55 cm across. The small branches are angular. The leaves vary in size and shape. They can be broadly or narrow oval or oblong. They are 5-11 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are dark green and shiny above and dull light green underneath. The midrib is sunken above and prominent underneath. The flowers are in clusters of 1-8. They are white to light green. The fruit is fleshy and oval. It is red and 7-12 mm long by 3-6 mm wide.

There are about 250 Erythroxylum species. It has various medical benefits.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can grow behind sandy beaches or on rocky shores. It can also grow in a range of other locations including peat forest and limestone ridges up to 900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a vegetable. They are astringent. They are used in vegetable soup.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ankara nula, Asan, Baka, Banka, Buguran, Dook oung, Kakane, Kayu mutoh, Membentaan, Nembentahan

Synonyms

Erythroxylum bancanum Burck.; Erythroxylum borneense Merr.; and several others