Ruck-feet tree
Handeliodendron bodinieri
Family: Sapindaceae
What it is like
A shrub or tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 4-12 m tall. The bark is grey. The leaves are opposite and have leaflets spread out like fingers on a hand. There are 4 or 5 leaflets that are 3-12 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The middle leaflet is the largest. The flowers are white and in groups at the ends of branches. These groups are 10 cm long. The fruit is a capsule 2-4 cm long by 1 cm wide. The seeds are black with a white covering.
There is only one Handeliodendron species. Also put in the family Hippocastanaceae.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the limestone areas in southern China between 400-800 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China
How it is used for food
Oil from the seed is used in cooking.
Edible parts
Seeds - oil