Glochidion borneense

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 5-25 cm tall. The crown is irregular. The branches are flexible and angular. The leaves are in two ranks. They are oval and unequal on the opposite sides. They are a shiny green colour on both sides but lighter underneath. The young leaf tips are red. The leaves are 5-18 cm long by 2-9 cm wide. The flowering stalks are in the axils of leaves. These have many flowers in a group. The flowers are pale yellow and the two sexes are separate.

There are about 300 Glochidion species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Java between 700-1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia

How it is used for food

The red young shoots are eaten raw.

The leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dempul lelet, Kitimbel, Mareme

Synonyms

Diasperus borneensis (Mull.Arg.) Kuntze; Diasperus microbotrys (Hook.f.) Kuntze; Diasperus polycarpus (Mull.Arg.) Kuntze; Glochidion microbotrys Hook. f.; Glochidion trilobum Ridl.; Phyllanthus borneensis Mull.Arg.; Phyllanthus polycarpus Mull.Arg.;