Kusam seeds, Makassar kernel tree
Brucea javanica
Family: Simaroubaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows to a height of 3-7 m and spreads to 3 m across. The stem is erect and branching. It is hairy when young. The leaves are compound leaves and produced alternately. They are 30-50 cm long and have 5 to 11 leaflets. These are oval but tapering to the tip and with coarse teeth around the edge. The leaflets are 5-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are purple and small. The fruit are about 5 mm long.
There are about 10 Brucea species. Probably used as medicine for treating worms not leaves eaten for food. It is used as medicine in Indonesia. The seeds are used to treat dysentery. It has anticancer properties.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows best in rich, moist, well drained soils in a sheltered partly shaded position. It commonly grows along creek banks. It needs a temperature above 15-18°C. It grows up to 1,000 m above sea level in Borneo. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Central Africa, China, Congo DR, East Timor, Fiji, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, West Timor
How it is used for food
The fruit is used to make chutney. The dried fruit are used in pickles. CAUTION: Fruit normally considered very poisonous. It is probably used in medicine. It is rich in alkaloids. They are used to reduce diarrhoea.
Edible parts
Caution
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed. Seed should be sown when fresh.
Its other names
Local names
Bhakamilo, Bhakiamilo, Biji makasar, Brucea jawa, Buah Makasar, Hala, Perdu kuwalot, Pohon tongkat ali, Tiuru, Ya dan zi
Synonyms
Ailanthus gracilis Salisb.; Brucea amarissima (Lour.) Desv.; Brucea glabrata Decne; Brucea gracilis (Salisb.) DC.; Brucea sumatrana Roxb.; Brucea sumatrensis Spreng.; Gonus amarissima Lour.; Lussa amarissima O. Ktze; Rhus javanica L. non auct.;