Red cedar
Erythroxylum monogynum

Family: Erythroxylaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 7 m tall. The bark is thick, rough and dark brown. The leaves are wedge shaped and 3-5 cm long. They are dull. The flowers are in the axils of the leaves. They are usually in groups of 1-4. The flowers are small and white or pink. The fruit is bright red and has one seed.

There are about 250 Erythroxylum species. The leaves have been shown to protect the liver.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in dry evergreen forests. It grows up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The young leaves are shoots are eaten. They are used in curry.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

In southern India is flowers and fruits throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

Adivi goranti, Bastard sandal, Bsandal, Chemanatti, Chembulinga, Chemmana, Chumbulse, Dasadaram, Dedadaaru, Devadara, Devadaram, Devadaru, Devataru, Gadara, Palayachandanam, Parighadrakamu, Sembulichan, Tevadaram, Vella-devadaram

Synonyms

Erythroxylum indicum (DC.) Elliot; Erythroxylum sideroxyloides Roxb. [Illegitimate]; Sethia indica DC.;