Mountain meliosma
Meliosma simplicifolia

Family: Sabiaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The branches have a dense covering. The leaves are simple. They are 12-40 cm long and light green. The flowers are in long woolly groups. They are white and turn pale yellow. The fruit is fleshy. It is 4-6 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in broad-leaved forests between 1,200-2,000 m above sea level in SW China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten especially with fish.

It is considered a delicacy.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and cuttings.

In China plants flower in January and February and fruit in April to May.

Its other names

Local names

Gurna, Laidsbri, Lale, Meliosma gunung, Paya-ama, Pet-taung-yaing, Prang-kinsa

Synonyms

Meliosma pungens Hook.f.; Millingtonia pungens Wall. ex Wight & Arn.; Millingtonia simplicifolia Roxb.;