Putat nasi
Barringtonia acutangula subsp. spicata

Family: Lecythidaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 3-18 m tall. The trunk is straight and branched near the base. The smaller branches are thick and crooked and angular. The leaves are alternate with short stalks. The leaves are oblong or sword shaped. They are 6-25 cm long by 2-10 cm wide. They have teeth around the edge. The flowers are pink and without stalks. They are in slender spikes.

There are about 40 Barringtonia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Java it grows in the lowlands and to 400 m above sea level. It is often near water.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten. They are often eaten with fish.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Jurai-jurai, Pokok gajah beranak

Synonyms

Barringtonia dentata R. Kunth; Barringtonia globosa (Miers) R. Knuth; Barringtonia horsfieldii Miq.; Barringtonia spicata Blume; Barringtonia winkleri R. Kunth; Michelia horsfieldii (Miq.) Kuntze; Michelia spicata (Blume) Kuntze; Stravadium globosum Miers; Stravadium horsfieldii (Miq.) Miers; Stravadium lucidum Miers; Stravadium spicatum (Blume) Blume;