Rusty sapindus
Erioglossum rubiginosum

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The crown is compact and bushy. The trunk is crooked and it branches near the base. It grows 3-15 m tall. It is covered with hairs. The leaves are are 15-50 cm long and have leaflets along the stalk. There are 4 to 6 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are narrowly oval and 8-18 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. They are blunt at both ends. The flowers are white and have a scent. They are in small groups along 12-30 cm long flowering shoots. The fruit are in large clusters. The fruit is 1 cm long and covered with fine hairs. It turns yellow, orange, purple then black as it ripens. It has a thin sweet juicy pulp.

Probably now a synonym but an unresolved name in The Plant List. Some Erioglossum are now in Lepisanthes.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the tropical lowlands and at medium altitudes. In Indonesia it grows from sea level to 1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia (country/location of origin), Sikkim, USA

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten and are sweet. The young leaves are cooked and eaten.

The leaves are sold in local markets. It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

In northeastern India plants flower and fruit April to June. Fruit matures in about 100 days.

Its other names

Local names

Abigran, Anga-banga, Baraharina, Bhasusu, Kalayo, Katiaju, Kilaju, Klaju, Mertajam, Muli, Pancovier, Pitha, Ritha, Telayu

Synonyms

Erioglossum edule Blume; Sapindus rubiginosus Roxb.; Sapindus edulis Blume; Lepisanthes rubiginosa (Roxb.) Leenh.; Lepisanthes hirta Ridley; Moulinsia rubiginosa G. Don;