Red saraca
Saraca declinata
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A tree 8-10 m tall. It can be 30 m high. The trunk is 60 cm across. The leaves are 18-50 cm long. There are 4-6 pairs of leaflets. The lowest pair clasp the twig. The leaflets are 9-35 cm long by 3-14 cm wide. They taper to the tip. New leaves appear as purplish-brown soft drooping leaflets. The flower cluster is 5-20 cm wide. The flowers are 13-28 mm across. They are yellow but turn red. They have a purple eyespot. The pod is large and flattened. It is 10-32 cm long by 2.5-6.5 cm wide. It is green. The seeds are thin and flattened. They are 3.5 cm long by 6.5 cm wide.
Also as Caesalpinaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. It grows in dense forests. It needs a sheltered site, adequate moisture, light shade and a well-drained fertile soil. In Cairns Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Sarawak, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The young leaves are eaten. The flowers are used in soups.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds, fruit, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Babai ai, Gapeh, Gapis, Gapis kunyit, Kam roteks thom, Soan-pan, Sok yai, Talan gajah, Talan kunyit, Tho