Lily of Valley tree
Elaeocarpus grandiflorus

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 12-17 m high and the trunk is 35-45 cm across. The leaves are oval and 10-13 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The flowers are 2.5 cm long. The petals are jagged and cream coloured. The sepals are bright red. The fruit is oval. They are yellowish-green.

There are about 360 Elaeocarpus species mostly in the tropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows along river banks below 600 m altitude. It grows in evergreen lowland forest. It is best in moist soils near streams. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is damaged by frost or drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand (country/location of origin), Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Com bong-lon, Com hoa long, Pohon genitri anyang-anyang, Ye-saga

Synonyms

Cerea radicans Thouars; Elaeocarpus lanceolatus Blume; Elaeocarpus radicans (Thouars) Hiern;