Hillside bitter tea
Mallotus furetianus
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 10 m high. The leaves are alternate. They are broadly oval and 5-15 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped or heart shaped. The edges are wavy and have teeth. The flowers are small and without petals. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are round capsules 1.4 cm across. They have bristles and orange glands. The seeds are round.
Where it is found
It grows in forests along streams in Asia.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China
How it is used for food
The leaves are used for tea. They have a good flavour.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea