Mangrove trumpet tree
Dolichandrone spathacea

Family: Bignoniaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree which loses its leaves. It is smooth and up to 5 to 25 m high. The leaves are opposite and leathery. They are 35 cm long. They are divided into leaflets along the stalk. These are oblong and glossy. There are 7-9 leaflets are they are oval and 15 cm long. The flower clusters have few flowers and are short and at the end of stalks. The flowers are 15 cm long. The flowers are white or yellow on 2 or 3 cm long fleshy spikes. The flowers are trumpet shape. They come out at night. The seed envelope is as long as the leaves and slightly squashed. It is usually pointed and curved. There are many seeds and they are winged.

There are 9 Dolichandrone species. The grow in tropical locations. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to tropical Asia and the Pacific. It grows in mangroves. They are found along the coast and in marshy places inland throughout the Philippines. It is tolerant to salt. It needs full sun. It needs fertile soil. It suits plant hardiness zones 10-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Australia, East Timor, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Caledonia, North America, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, USA, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

The young flowers and fruit are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The leaves are chewed as a substitute for betel pepper.

Edible parts

Flowers, fruit, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Daun tuwai, Gorshingiah, Hihivora, Hingut, Kanbillai, Kapeng kapal, Kayu jaran, Kayu pelok, Ke ket tawa, Kelaju, Ke pung mu, Ke, Ki jaran, Nirpponalyam, Pohon kelaju, Pohon tuwi, Pokok keloh, Rriu, Thakut, Thakut-ma, Tui, Tuih, Virbadiri

Synonyms

Bignonia spathacea L.f.; Dolichandrone longissima K. Schum.; Dolichandrone rheedii (Spreng.) Seem.; Dolichandrone alternifolia; Spathodea longiflora P. Beauv.; Spathodea rheedei Spreng.; and others