Poison Peach
Trema tomentosa
Family: Cannabaceae
What it is like
A shrub with several stems. It grows 4 m high. The stems are covered with stiff hairs. The leaves are alternate. They vary in shape but are oval. They can be 2-13 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The leaves are rough to touch. The leaves have teeth along the edge and a pointed tip. They are paler underneath. The flowers are green or white. They are on short stalks in the axils of leaves. The male and female flowers are separate on the same plant. The fruit are fleshy and round. They are 3 mm across. They occur in bunches are change from green to black as they mature.
Also put in the family Ulmaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical areas.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, East Africa, East Timor, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Ryuku, SE Asia, Sikkim, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
How it is used for food
CAUTION: Parts of this plant can cause liver damage. Plants vary in their toxicity. In Australia Aboriginal people cooked and ate the larvae of a wood boring insect that attacks this plant.
Edible parts
Insect larvae, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Kywe-sa, Satsha