Mutton wood tree, Chinese white firethorn
Rapanea hasseltii

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 4 m tall. The crown is about 3 m wide. The leaves are simple and can be alternate, in rings or opposite. They are oval and taper to the tip. The flowers can occur singly or in groups. The fruit is a capsule that splits by valves. There can be a few or many seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It suits hot arid climates and can tolerate drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Central America (country/location of origin), Indonesia, SE Asia, South America

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

It grows quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Duri api putih cina, Ki harupat

Synonyms

Myrsine hasseltii Blume ex Scheff.;