Helicia robusta

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows 17 m tall. The leaves are alternate and simple. There are often teeth along the edge. The flowers are 13 mm across. They are white to orange. The fruit are 3.5 cm across. They are fleshy and green to purple.

There are about 90 Helicia species mostly in SE Asia with some in N Australia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in slightly open forest up to 1,200 m above sea level. It is often along rivers and in locations that are occasionally flooded.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brunei, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

CAUTION: The fruit are poisonous. The young shoots are leaves are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bronsop, Buak-buak, Buntal, Daukyan, Daukyat, Jaring jaringan jawa, Kendung, Korodo, Luan, Medang keladi, Medang lalang, Mot, Palis, Pohon kendung, Pohon maributan, Ponsch, Taukyat, Watutu

Synonyms

Helicia castaneaefolia Meisn.; Helicia cumingiana Presl.; Helicia cumingiana var. parvifolia Merr.; Helicia glabrata Meisn.; Helicia integra Merr.; Helicia integrifolia Elmer; Helicia javanica Blume; Helicia longiflora Merr.; Helicia oligophlebia Merr.; Helicia philippinensis Meisn.; Helicia travancorica Bedd. ex Hook.f.; Helittophyllum javanicum Blume; Roupala glabrata Wall.; Roupala robusta Roxb.; Rupala serrata Reinw. ex Blume;