Fragrant ironwood tree
Fagraea fragrans

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 10-25 m tall. It usually has an irregular shape. The trunk is dark brown with deeply cracked bark. The leaves are oval and light green. The flowers are yellow. The flowers unfurl at sunset and have a strong scent. The fruit are red berries.

It is also put in the Loganiaceae and the Potaliaceae families. The bark has been used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can grow in poor soils including poorly-aerated and poorly-drained soils. At FRIM in Malaysia.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Myanmar, SE Asia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

An important timber tree but very very minor as a food.

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ahnyin, Anan, Ananma, Buabua, Kan krao, Man pa, Munpla, Pohon tembusu, Tatrao, Ta trav, Temasuk, Tembesu, Tembusu, Trai, Trai nam bo, Urung

Synonyms

Cyrtophyllum fragrans (Roxb.) DC.; Cyrtophyllum giganteum Ridl.; Cyrtophyllum lanceolatum DC.; Cyrtophyllum peregrinum Reinw.; Fagraea peregrina (Reinw.) Blume; Willughbeia fragrans Spreng.;