Scaphium scaphigerum

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 35 m tall. The trunk is 2.5 m across. It has buttresses 7 m tall. The bark is grey, dippled and scaly. The leaves are oval and young leaves can have 3 lobes. The leaves are 15-24 cm long by 5-11 cm wide. The flowers can be in the axils of the leaves or at the ends of the branches.

Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forests near limestone. It grows between 50-400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, Indochina, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

The seeds are crushed in water and swell to produce a jelly like mass. This is sweetened and eaten. It is dressed with buckwheat flour made into soups and drinks.

A significant nut.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

In Thailand it flowers in December to February and fruits February to May.

Its other names

Local names

Bakudai, Mohbin, Phung thalaai, Pong tai hai, Priang, Prong, Samrong, Shaw, Tai hau lam, Taung-thin-baw, Thaai phao

Synonyms

Clompanus scaphigera (Wall. ex G. Don) Kuntze; Scaphium wallichii Schott & Endl.; Sterculia scaphigera Wall. ex G. Don;