Haematocarpus thompsonii

Family: Menispermaceae

What it is like

A woody climber. It climbs over tall trees. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaves are oval and taper to both ends. They are 6-18 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. They are more pale underneath. The flowers are on the stem. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are fleshy and 4-5 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The ripe fruit are dark red with red juice.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows near the banks of rivers and up to 650 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In NE India plants flower and fruit April to May.

Its other names

Local names

Agniphol, Inramjidukha, Thei-chhung-sen

Synonyms

Baterium validum Miers; Fibraurea haematocarpus Hook.f. & Thomson; Haematocarpus validus (Miers) Bakh.f. ex Forman;