Lui kepuh tree
Sterculia ceramica

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It grows 5-18 m tall. The trunk can be 40 cm across. The leaves are simple and shiny. They are broadly oval and heart shaped at the base. They are 3-17 cm long by 3-10 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 2-5 cm long. The groups of flowers are at the ends of twigs. They are softly hairy and 5-8 cm long. There are 1-3 dry fruit with seeds. They are on long stalks 3-9 cm long. They are dark red and 4-5 cm long by 2.5-3.5 cm wide. The seeds are 2-3 cm long.

Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows near the beach and from sea level to 100 m above sea level. It can be on old coral cliffs. In Fairchild Botanical Garden.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, North America, Philippines, SE Asia, Taiwan, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Lanyu, Pohon kepuh lui, Tai wan ping po

Synonyms

Sterculia luzonica Warb.; Sterculia richardiana Baill.;