South China sour gum
Nyssa javanica

Family: Cornaceae

What it is like

A tall tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 20-50 m tall. The small branches are purple-brown. The leaves are oblong and 10-15 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. They taper to the tip and are blunt at the base. The are covered with dense hairs. The leaf stalks are 2-4 cm long. The flowers are greenish-white. The fruit are fleshy and oval. They are 2-3 cm long by 2 cm wide. They are purple-red turning black.

Also put in the family Nyssaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows at 1500 m altitude in Yunnan in China. It grows in monsoon rainforest. It grows in damp areas of forests between 800-2,100 m altitude in southern China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In China plants flower in April to May and fruit in October.

Its other names

Local names

Chilauni, Gaharichopa, Hirung, Hlo-sumbrung, Kalay, Kapi dengkung, Khai pla, Khang khok, Khueng khak, Kirung, Lekh chilaune, Longbo, Mak theun, Malatilata, Mueat khon khao, Terang bulu, Theun, Wuru gading

Synonyms

Agathisanthes javanica Blume; Agathidanthes javanica Hassk.; Nyssa sessiliflora Hook. f.; Ilex daphniphylloides Kurz.; Daphniphyllopsis capitata Kurz.; Nyssa arborea Koord.; Nyssa bifida Craib.;