Premna bengalensis

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A large shrub or small tree. It grows 9 m tall. It can grow 10-20 m tall. The trunk can be fluted. The bark is greyish white. It peels off in papery flakes 2 cm thick The leaves are simple and opposite. They are narrowly oval or sword shaped and 8-24 cm long by 4-15 cm wide. The edges can be slightly wavy. The flowers are in branched groups at the ends of branches. The fruit is fleshy and oval and 5-8 mm across.

Also put in the family Verbenaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 300-900 m above sea level in Nepal. It grows in evergreen forests near streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The bark is soft, sweet and edible.

Edible parts

Bark, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Banglalatana, Bolgoppa, Dauli, Dhauli, Dhola-uja, Dieng-lih, Gohora, Guyheli, Jol-chong-i-maiphi, Koya jarul, Kyun-nalin, Lalo-asing, Makauk-nyaung, Mlung-greng, Nakechal, Sungna

Synonyms

Gumira bengalensis (C. B. Clarke) Kuntze;