Kangkala laurel tree
Litsea garciae

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 10 m high. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The branches are stout. The leaves are alternate. The leaf stalk is stout and 1.5-2.5 cm long. The leaf blade is oval and 25-40 cm long by 6-15 cm wide. There are 16-20 pairs of side veins. There are a net like pattern of veins. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are round and 2.2-3 cm across. They are red-orange at maturity. The flesh is creamy white.

There are 200 or 400 Litsea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen, broad leafed forests. It grows up to 200 m above sea level. It can grow in warm temperate regions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia (country/location of origin), Brazil, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sarawak, Pacific, Philippines, Sarawak, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. The fruit is often rolled or bruised slightly before eating. The fruit can be used with icecream or milkshakes.

It is a cultivated fruit tree.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds. It can be grown by air-layering.

Trees fruit after 4-6 years.

Its other names

Local names

Bagnolo, Engkala, Kupa, Lan yu mu jiang zi, Malai, Novolo, Pengalaban, Pengoloban, Pepe babae, Pipi, Pohon medang kankala, Talal, Tangkalak, Wuru lilin

Synonyms

Gyliodaphne garciae (Vidal) Nakai; Lepidadenia kawakamii (Hayata) Masam.; Litsea kawakamii Hayata; Tetradenia kawakamii (Hayato) Nemoto ex Makono & Nemoto;