Gamble's man, Spinous kino tree
Bridelia retusa

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows to about 6-20 m high. The bark is greyish and has spines when young. The leaves are alternate and 6-15 cm long by 3.5-8 cm wide. They are oval and leathery. They taper to the tip. The base is rounded. There are many side veins. (15-20 pairs). They are parallel and distinct. The leaves are bright green but turn pink before falling. They are slightly hairy underneath. The flowers have short stalks. They are yellowish. They are clustered in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit has a stone inside. It is round and purplish-black when ripe. It is the size of a pea.

There are about 60 Bridelia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows to about 1200 m altitude in Nepal. In India it is common on low hills. It can grow on limestone. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They have a salty sour taste.

Fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

In southern India fruit are available March to September.

Its other names

Local names

Adamarudu, Akano, Akdana, Asan, Asana, Ashind, Bontha-yepi, Ekadivi, Ekdania, Gauli, Gaya, Gayo, Geio, Goje, Gondui, Hle-kanan, Jhaijhuwa, Kadukaipalam, Kage kaayi, Kaj, Kakai, Kamkui, Kanta-kauchi, Kasai, Kasi, Kassi, Kata kushui, Khais, Khaja, Khasai, Kovehannu, Kuhir, Kumkumi, Kutki, Mak-kawng-tawn, Mangritchok, Mark, Monj, Mukkayini, Mullu-vengai, Pani-kasi, Phaktel lien, Pathor, Pohon gayo, Pow nam, Seik-chi, Seikchi-bo, Suviraka, Teng nam, Thaidaoblib

Synonyms

Andrachne doonkyboisca B.Heyne ex Wall. [Invalid]; Bridelia airy-shawii P.T.Li [Illegitimate]; Bridelia amoena Wall. ex Baill.; Bridelia cambodiana Gagnep.; Bridelia chineensis Thin; Bridelia cinerascens Gehrm.; Bridelia crenulata Roxb.; Bridelia fordii Hemsl.; Bridelia fruticosa Pers.; Bridelia hamiltoniana var. glabra Müll.Arg.; Bridelia pierrei Gagnep.; Bridelia retusa var. glabra Gehrm.; Bridelia retusa var. glauca Hook.f.; Bridelia retusa var. pubescens Gehrm.; Bridelia retusa var. roxburghiana Müll.Arg. [Illegitimate]; Bridelia retusa var. squamosa (Lam.) Müll.Arg.; Bridelia retusa var. stipulata Gehrm.; Bridelia roxburghiana (Müll.Arg.) Gehrm.; Bridelia spinosa (Roxb.) Willd.; Bridelia squamosa (Lam.) Gehrm.; Bridelia squamosa var. meeboldii Gehrm.; Clutia retusa L.; Clutia spinosa Roxb.; Clutia squamosa Lam.;