Indian laurel tree
Beilschmiedia roxburghiana
Family: Lauraceae
What it is like
A large tree which loses its leaves. It grows 10-15 m tall. The small branches are flattened and angled. The leaves are opposite. They are narrowly oval and 9-14 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. The fruit are purple to black. They are oval and 4-5 cm long by 2-3 cm wide.
There are about 100-250 Beilschmeidia species. They are in the tropics.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen broad-leaved forest on mountain slopes. In Tibet.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds.
In China it flowers and fruits in August.
Its other names
Local names
Arnjang, Bachmi, Chapchai, Minyi, Myauk-okshit, Pohon medang india, Serai-gutti, Shawdu, Thitsat