Japanese fern tree, Fern-leaf tree
Filicium decipiens

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 12-25 m tall. It has a round crown. The leaves are compound and large. They have 12-16 leaflets. Each leaflet is 10 to 15 cm long and narrow. The flowers are small and white. The fruit is fleshy and 1 cm across. They are oval, purple and shiny.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It needs full sun. It cannot tolerate frost. It is best in a well drained alkaline soil. In India it grows in dry evergreen forests up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Comoros, Hawaii, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Indonesia, Madagascar, Marquesas, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Ampangaravina, Athadali, Da-yin-gauk-ywet-thitpin, Hoovarasi, Irumbarakki, Kaadu, Kattunellii, Muriccha, Neeroli, Ningal, Nirlongu, Patta kunkudu, Pohon keri payung, Sanimaram, Valmuriccha

Synonyms

Filicium decipiens f. apterum Capuron; Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub.; Jurighas decipiens (Wight & Arn.) Kuntze; Pteridophyllum decipiens (Wight & Arn.) Thwaites; Rhus decipiens Wight & Arn.;