Java crypteronia tree
Crypteronia paniculata

Family: Penaeaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 10-20 m tall. It usually branches near the base. The crown is irregular and dense. The branches are reddish brown. The leaves are opposite and have short leaf stalks. They are narrowly oval. The base is rounded or wedge shaped. They taper to the tip. They are light green. They are 7-25 cm long by 3-12 cm wide. The leaf stalk has a furrow on the upper side. The flowering shoots are slender and drooping. They are in the axils of fallen leaves. They are 7-30 cm long and have many flowers. The flowers are pale green or yellow. The fruit are 2-celled capsules. The seeds are very small.

Also put in the family Crypteroniaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dense forest. It grows from near sea level to 1,500 m above sea level in Java.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

The young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. They are used to flavour rice.

Edible parts

Leaves as condiment, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bekoi, Berkol, Buah babi, Champrenh, Goru-mora, Ka sawm, Kayu cheleng, Ki banen, Krawn, Mai kesai, Pi kui, Pohon keriptera jawa, Rupal, Sempoh, Trab tum, Tukoi

Synonyms

Crypteronia glabra (Wall.) Blume; Crypteronia pubescens Blume;