Malabar embelia
Embelia tsjeriam-cottam

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

It is a shrub or small tree. It grows 1-2 m tall. It can be a climbing plant. The leaves are oval and pointed and usually at the end of the plant. The flowers are in groups on the side of the stems. They are small and greenish yellow. The fruit are very similar to Embelia ribes. They are round and red and when ripe are sweettasting.

There are about 140 Embelia species. It has medicinal properties. Also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It occurs in the Western Ghats in India.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand

How it is used for food

The fruit are used to adulterate black pepper.

Edible parts

Fruit, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Eik-hmwe-nwe, Marakkeera

Synonyms

Ardisia basaal Roem. & Schult.; Ardisia tsjeriam-cottam Roem. & Schult.; Dauceria acuta Dennst.; Embelia robusta C.B.Clarke, non Roxb.; and others