Mottled-fruit vine
Stixis suaveolens

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A vine. It is woody and grows 1-15 m long. The side branches are stout. The branches are speckled. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and 15-28 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. The base is round. The leaves are deep green above and paler underneath with raised white dots. The leaf stalks are 2-3 cm long. The flowers are pale yellow and 5-6 mm long. They have a sweet scent. There are 15-25 flowers in a group. The fruit is fleshy and covered with yellow hairs. It is oblong and 3-5 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. The fruit is yellow and mottled.

Also called Capparidaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows up to 1500 m altitude in Yunnan, China. It grows in secondary forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are sweet and have a smell. The leaves are used as a tea substitute. The seeds are used as a spice.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea, seeds - spice

How it is grown

In southern China it flowers in April to May and fruits August to October. In Northeastern India (Tripura) fruit are available May to July.

Its other names

Local names

Hamvuthi, Hapuweiwei, Hiemaluanlong, Kasonli lahora, Lahut-rih, Madhabilata, Madhumalati, Majeelota, Modhumala, Mokha, Mooni, Narangchi, Rokpo ketumbelem, Rokputtutum, Tamhidi, Tasser tere, Theisawntlung, Titegille, Tunggorrik, Urirei

Synonyms

Roydsia suaveolens Roxb.;