helloplants.org

Otophora fruticosa

Family: Sapindaceae


What it is like

A shrub with tough and smooth twigs. The leaves are alternate, smooth and papery. They have 3 to 4 divisions of leaflets evenly arranged. The leaflets are much paler beneath and smooth and shiny. They have a blunt point and are entire. They are rigid at the base with a pair of rounded green leaflets. The flower arrangement is both in the axils of leaves and at the ends and there are many flowers. The fruit are red when mature.


Where it is found

A tropical plant. They are widely scattered in areas of shrub at low elevations throughout the Philippines.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia


How it is used for food

The seeds are toasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds


How it is grown


Its other names

Local names

Lanau, Balingasan, Lunau, Balinaunau, Pipiyasuton

Synonyms