Litsea pipericarpa

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 18 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is grey or green and smooth. The leaves are alternate. The leaf stalk is 1-2 cm long. The leaves are narrowly oval and 7-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are pointed at the base and the tip. The flowers on in stalks from the same point and in clusters in the axils of leaves. There are 1-6 flowers in each group. The fruit is a round one-seeded berry.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the mountains. It often grows on land exposed from land slides. It grows in forest clearings up to 3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The peppercorn like fruit are used as a spice or flavouring.

Edible parts

Spice, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hawa-biwa, Ki lemo, Krangeyan, Kulit antarsa, Kulit pulaga, Medang melukut, Medang serai

Synonyms

Lindera pipericarpa (Miquel) Boerl.; Polyadenia pepericarpa Miquel;