Premna integrifolia

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows to 4-8 m tall. It does not have hairs. The twigs and leaves are light green and shiny. The leaves are produced opposite each other and are oval and taper to a point. They are entire and 9-19 cm long by 6-12 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 2-7 cm long. The flowers are white and in clusters with flowers at the end of each stalk. These arrangements are 10-20 cm across. The fruit are berries 6-9 mm across. They are blue to black.

Also put in the family Verbenaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Plants often grow near the beach.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Polynesia, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked with fish to flavour them.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bebuas, Bebuat, Chah leud, Ki pahang, Ki seungit, Kywe-thwe, La cach, Singkil alas, Singkil, Taing-tangyi

Synonyms

Possibly now Premna obtusifolia R.Br.;