Pink mempat
Cratoxylum formosum

Family: Hypericaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 1-8 m high. The trunk has long thorns on the lower parts. The bark peels off in flakes. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are lighter green underneath. They are oblong and 4-10 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are in groups of 5-8 in the axils of the fallen leaves. The flowers are 1.3 cm across. The fruit is a dark brown capsule that is oblong and 1-1.5 cm long. There are 6-8 seeds per section.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in clear forests on sandy soils. It grows in dry mixed forests up to 1,000 m above sea level. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Young leaves are eaten raw or boiled with fish or pork. The give a sour taste. They are used as a fresh vegetable and also in soup.

They are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, flower buds, tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or hardwood cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Galiwgiwon, Lngeang, Lo-ngie'ng, Lo ngieng, Mango-gong, Phak tew, Phak tiu daeng, Phak tiu som, Pohon mampat dadu, Salingagon, Salinggogon, Teaw, Tio khao, Tuew

Synonyms

Cratoxylum formosum subsp. formosum; Cratoxylon prunifolium Dyer; Elodea formosa Jack; and others