Java cedar
Bischofia javanica

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A large stocky tree. It grows up to 40 m tall. It can range from 5 to 30 m tall. The trunk is 1 m across, and straight. The trunk is covered with dull brown scaly bark. It is 2 cm thick and peels off in irregular flakes. The bark gives a red exudate when cut. The branches are numerous and form a dense rounded crown. The leaves are alternate, and with 3 leaflets. The leaf has a long leaf stalk. The leaflets are oval and tapering towards the tip. The edges of the leaflets are toothed. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and light green and smooth underneath. The flowering branch has many branches. The individual flowers are small numerous and yellow-green. Trees have male and female flowers on separate plants. The fruit are rounded and fleshy. They have 3 to 4 cells and are reddish brown. They are 3 mm across. They contain 6 small seeds.

There is only one (2) Bischofia species. It can become invasive.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the lowland and lower mountain zones. It grows from sea level to 900 m in Fiji. In Nepal it grows to about 1000 m altitude. It is often in disturbed forest or old garden land. They occur throughout the Philippines in dry open places. It can tolerate some shade and light frost but is best in full sun. It needs fertile, well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Fiji, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Niue, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Sikkim, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw and are sweet. They are also used for drinks. The leaves are cooked with pork. (This may be to tenderise the pork.) Young leaves are eaten in salads and used as a condiment. The seeds are eaten. The young buds are used for pickles.

It is not known if it is used for food in Papua New Guinea. The fruit are often eaten by children.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings. Seedlings are transplanted after 3-4 months.

It grows very quickly. In NE India fruit are available June to July.

Its other names

Local names

Akagi, Aukkyu, Aukkywe, Batang bintang, Bhillar, Bishop wood, Boke, Cok, Gao, Ge ben jian, Gobranerale, Hka-shatawi, Ighogha, Kaen, Kaijal, Kain, Kainjal, Kainjalo, Kanji, Khuang-thli, Khungthi, Koka, Koka damu, Kywe-tho, Mafia, Nalupumushti, Nhoi, Nira, 'O'a, Paniala, Panisemla, Pankain, Phang put, Po-gaungsa, Pohon gintungan, Shengpo, Sintir, Si pu ge lie, Tag schein, Taiso, Takkir, Tayok-the, Thaijilit, Thaiso, Thirippu, Thondi, Tiger tree, Togotogo, Tongotongo, Toog, Tuai, Tuer, Tuwwo, Tuwwol, Uriana, Urium, Uthum naraobi, Yae-pa-done, Yepaduk, Ye-padauk, Yepadon

Synonyms

Bischofia trifoliata (Roxb.) Hook.f.; Microelus roeperianus Wight and Arn.; Andrachne trifoliata Roxb.;