Malabar benkara
Benkara malabarica

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-3 m tall. The stems have short thorns. These can be simple or branched. The bark is grey. The leaves are simple and overlap at the base. They are broadly oval and 7 cm long. They are leathery. The flowers are in the axils of leaves. They are white and have a corolla tube with a ring of hairs inside. They have a scent. The fruit is a round, red berry.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in semi-evergreen forests up to 600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indonesia, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The flowers are washed and then stir-fried in oil and spices.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Perdu benkara, Pudan sirukarai, Tella mullu chettu

Synonyms

Catunaregam malabarica (Lam.) Sivar.; Gardenia fragrans Roxb.; Gardenia pandacakai J. F. Gmel.; Randia fragrans (Roxb.) Bedd.; Randia malabarica Lam.; and others