Itchwood
Semecarpus vitiensis

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows 30 m high. The bark is brown with light brown patches where flakes have been shed. The leaves are large and oblong. The flowers are white. The fruit is small and corky with a fleshy base. It has an irritating milky sap.

An "unresolved" name in "The Plant List".

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can grow in dense forests from sea level to 900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Fiji, New Caledonia, Pacific, Tonga, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

The kernel is boiled and eaten. Caution: The sap can blister the skin.

Edible parts

Nuts, caution

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bhilawa, Kaukaro

Synonyms

Oncocarpus vitiensis A. Gray;