Sitampu tree
Claoxylon indicum

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 20 m tall. It often has a purple covering. The trunk is 20-35 cm across. The leaves are alternate. The leaf stalk is 16 cm long. The leaf blade is oval and 9-27 cm long by 5-20 cm wide. It has a covering of small dots that let the light through. The edges of the leaves have coarse teeth. The male flowering stalk is in the axils of leaves. It can be 40 cm long. The flower groups have 6-13 together. There are 15-25 stamens. The female flowering stalk is in the axils and is shorter and more dense than the male one. It is up to 12 cm long. The fruit are 3-4 angled. The capsule has 6-8 furrows along it. It is 5-6 mm long and 7-8 mm wide. The seeds are oval or kidney shaped.

There are about 75-80 Claoxylon species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in humid locations on humus rich soils. It can also be on sandy soils. It grows up to 850 m altitude. It grows in secondary forest. It grows at about 700 m altitude. It requires light and humidity. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are used for a spicy sauce. They are also steamed as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves as condiment, spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Trees are easily grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Berketupuk, Bleketupuk, Chapa batu, Chhe: toch, Jarak kayu, Juru ayam, Katerbik, Ketupuk, Kha ka ai, Khang namphung, L(00j)e m(aj)i, Lampin budak, Laping budak, Loc mai, Ngun peungkhao, Ngun phung khao, Phakwan baiyai, Pohon sitampu, Si nimnim, Sitampu, Suru ayam, Talingkup, Talingkup, Tetupuk

Synonyms

Claoxylon caerulescens Ridl.; Claoxylon indicum f gracilis J. J. Sm.; Claoxylon macrophyllum Bojer [Invalid]; Claoxylon macrophyllum Hassk.; Claoxylon minus (Blume) Hassk.; Claoxylon molle (Blume) Miq.; Claoxylon parviflorum Hook. & Arn. [Illegitimate]; Claoxylon polot Merrill; Croton halecum Roxb.; Croton pigmentarius Noronha [Invalid]; Croton tabacifolius Geiseler; Erythrochilus indicus Reinw. ex Blume; Erythrochilus minor Blume; Erythrochilus mollis Blume;