Sour embelia
Embelia laeta
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows to 1 m high. The branches are straight but flexible. They are 1.5-2 mm across. The leaf stalk is 5-9 mm long. The leaves are oval. It is 3-6 cm long by 1.5-2 cm wide but can be larger or smaller. They are papery and dull. The base is wedge shaped and the edges can curl. There are 6-10 side veins each side of the midrib but these are not easy to see. The flowering stalk is in the axils of the leaves. There are 3-15 flowers. The flowers are white or yellowish. The flower groups are 1 cm long. The petals are 1-1.5 mm high. The fruit are round and 5-8 mm across. There are 2 subspecies based on the hairiness of the branches.
There are about 140 Embelia species. Also put in the family Myrsinaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They grow in S China. It grows between 100-2,000 m above sea level. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cambodia, China, Hainan, Indochina, Laos, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The roots and young leafy shoots are used for tea.
It is sold in local markets in China.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ngut hoa-trang, Ngut trang, Re vui, Shan yan Suan ji, Suan teng zi, Suen Kwo