Tree jasmine
Mayodendron igneum

Family: Bignoniaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows up to 20 m tall. The bark is smooth. The leaves are compound. They are twice divided. They are 60 cm long. There are side leaflets then small leaflet stalks about 5 mm long with a leaflet at the end. The flowers are on old stems. There are 5-13 flowers in a group. The fruit is a capsule up to 45 cm long and it is twisted. It splits and opens. There are many flat seeds. They have wings at both ends.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Borneo it grows between 100-1,900 m above sea level. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flowers are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also used in stir-fried dishes. They are added to curries.

It is a cultivated food plant. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

A ci ma ha nen, Agayit-ni, Guo te guo me a ye, Hpun-hpawk, Huo shao hua, Lao bie, Luobi, Jie tong, Ledoulebo, Mai-pyit, Nia long fan, Ntoo paj lab, Sumhtung, Sumtungh-kyeng

Synonyms

Radermachera ignea (Kurz) Steenis; Spathodea ignea Kurz;