Scarlet sterculia, Lance-leaved kepuh tree
Sterculia lanceolata

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 5-15 m high. The leaves have one leaflet. It is 7-15 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. They taper to the tip. The flowers are small and without petals. They are greenish-pink. The fruit are follicles and open into a star like arrangement. These are bright red or yellow. The seeds are black and there are 1-5 in each follicle.

Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is native to southern China. It grows in forests along streams. It can grow up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten after roasting.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Ntoo xib, Pohon kepuh meleboh, Pohon kepuh saloh, Sang, Seb kaus dais, Trom thon

Synonyms

Helicteres undulata Lour.; Sterculia balansae Aug. DC.;