Maesa shrub
Maesa perlaria

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 1-12 m tall. It is densely hairy. The leaf stalk is 10 mm long. The leaf blade is oval and 7-11 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. There are teeth along the edge towards the tip. The leaf tapers to the tip. There are 7-9 side veins each side of the main vein. The flowers are in the axils of leaves. The flowers are small (2 mm) but the flowering stalk is 2-4 cm long. The flowers are white. The fruit is round and about 3 mm across.

There are about 200 Maesa species. They are mostly tropical. They are also put in the family Maesaceae. They are also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in sparse broad-leaved forests and shrubby areas in damp places between 200-1400 m altitude in S China. In Vietnam in mountainous areas and along roads. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten in dishes with other vegetables and pork or fish.

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Don nem, Ji yu dan, Kayu nasi

Synonyms

Dartus perlarius Loureiro; Maesa sinensis A. DC.; Maesa tonkinensis Mez.;