Wild gora tree
Phaleria capitata

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

A scrambling shrub. It can grow 2-10 m tall. The stems are black. The leaves are almost opposite and the leaf stalks small. The leaves are broadly oval and 14-18 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. The flowers can be at the ends of branches or in the axils of leaves. There are 8 or more flowers in a group. They are white and a narrow funnel shape. They are 3-4 cm long. The fruit is red and round and about 1 cm across. There are 1 or 2 seeds.

There are about 20 Phaleria species. They occur in Malesia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mixed forests up to 1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are sweet and eaten. CAUTION: The seeds are poisonous.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Kakapasan, Kekapasan, Lawe, Lawean, Lawe-lawe, Pohon gora hutan, Pohon lawe

Synonyms

Drymispermum blumei Decne; Phaleria octandra Baill.;