Leea macrophylla

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. It grows to 2.5 m high. It puts up annual shoots. The leaves have stalks. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are 5-20.5 cm long by 2-8.5 cm wide. They are oblong and pointed. There are teeth around the edge. They are slightly hairy on the veins underneath. The base is rounded. The flowers are white. The fruit are round and black when ripe. They can be 1.3 cm across and have 6 seeds.

Also put in the family Leeaceae. Leeaceae occur in the tropics. There are about 70 Leea species.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 300-1700 m altitude. It grows in moist, shady places. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand

How it is used for food

Ripe fruit are eaten fresh. The tender leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The leaves can be stored for 7 days. The seeds are eaten.

They are mainly eaten by children.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

In NE India plants flower and fruit August to March.

Its other names

Local names

Anderpod, Bendar, Bhuin charchare, Bulevttra, Bulyettra, Dampamtomkung, Dholasmudrika, Dholsamudra, Dinda, Dupu, Gabui, Galeni, Galeno, Haramada, Hathikana, Hatkan, Hostik orno, Kath thengia, Koulkar, Kurmali, Kya-hpetgyi, Mai-sing-hkong-long, Mak-tasu-long, Motu dhinu, Nallu, Nunonunia, Pantom, Peddapayagillaku, Pharun-barne, Pharun-barne

Synonyms

Leea aspera Wall. ex Roxb.; Leea diffusa Lawson; Leea robusta Roxb.;