Skimmia laureola

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It is erect and evergreen. It grows about 2 m high. The bark is smooth. The leaves have stalks. They are crowded at the ends of branches. The leaves are 7-15 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are oblong to sword shaped. They taper to the tip and are leathery. They are dotted with glands. Male and female flowers can be on separate plants or the same plant. The flowers are greenish yellow. They have a scent. They are in a branched flower arrangement. The fruit is fleshy with a hard covering over the seed. It is oval and red when ripe.

A small genus.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 2400-3100 m altitude. It grows in shady places in the forest. It forms dense patches. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a flavouring. They are also eaten in curries. Caution: The leaves contain skimnianine which is poisonous.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, caution

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Aranth, Chamlani, Narapati, Ner

Synonyms

Limonia laureola DC;