Rimil berries
Olax scandens

Family: Olacaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. The leaves are oval. The flowers are small and white. They occur as equal stalked flowers on a stalk near the ends of the branches. The fruit is an oval capsule. It is orange, It is almost covered with a fleshy calyx.

There are about 40 Olax species. They are tropical.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in open country near the sea. It can grow up to 300 m above sea level. It occurs in the Western Ghats in India.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand

How it is used for food

The young shoots are eaten as a green vegetable and as a pot herb. The tender stems are used as a vegetable and the leaves are roasted and eaten. The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used to prepare a drink.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, stems

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Badalia, Bapanamushti gida, Bhodei, Boderia, Bodobodoria, Dheniani, Harduli, Hund, Kadalranchi, Karadu, Katok lok, Katok rok, Kodak acing, Kodak aching, Koko-aru, Kurpodur, Malliveppam, Meribut, Murikimalle, Orkktong, Rimilbiri, Rimiljo, Ton nyo ngua, Turkatoppi, Urmenedjo, Wangon, Wuru-wuru

Synonyms

Fissilia psittacorum Lam.; Roxburghia baccata K. D. Koenig ex Roxb.; Olax imbricata Ridl.; Possibly a synonym or Olax ptissacorum. Names and authorities confused.