Common Name:

General Information

Clausena excavata is a profusely branched, evergreen plant ranging in size from a shrub just 1 - 2 metres tall in China to a small tree that is usually up to 10 metres tall, but exceptionally up to 15 metres[, , ]. The straight bole, which sometimes branches from the base, can be up to 20cm in diameter[, ].
The edible fruit is held in high esteem in many parts of the plants range, where it is often gathered from the wild for local use[]. The tree also has edible leaves and is often cultivated as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitat

The plant establishes dense stands along the sides of roads and in disturbed areas[]. Evergreen and deciduous forests in Laos[]. Secondary forest, brushwood and disturbed areas around villages, at elevations from sea-level to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The tree is often grown as an ornamental and there is one report, from Christmas Island, that the plant has escaped from cultivation and invaded native habitats[]. The plant is spread by bird-sown seeds[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and eaten as a potherb[]. The leaflets have a characteristic, curry-like smell when crushed[].

Fruit - raw[, ]. The fruit has the taste of grapes, accompanied with a peculiar flavour, being very grateful to the palate[]. The scanty pulp of the fruit has an aniseed flavour[]. The translucent pink berries are 7 - 10mm in diameter, each containing 1 - 2 seeds[]. The fruits can be up to 20mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The plant is considered to be astringent, bitter, emmenagogue and tonic[]. It is used in many parts of its range, especially in the treatment of digestive complaints.

A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of fevers, headaches and colic[].
A decoction of the roots, flowers or leaves is taken for treating bowel complaints, such as colic, dyspepsia and stomach-ache[].
The pounded root or leaves are used externally as a poultice on sores, including ulceration of the nose, or sometimes for yaws[]. Ulcerations of the nose may also be treated by fumigation using burning leaves and bark[].

A decoction of the leaves is taken after childbirth and also to treat stomach troubles[]. The juice from the leaves is taken as a treatment for intestinal worms or cough[]. They are used on their own, or in combination with Curcuma longa, for treating fevers, malaria or colds[].
Used externally, the pounded leaves may be applied to the head for relieving headaches whilst a poultice of the leaves is applied in the treatment of paralysis[].

An infusion of the stalks is taken orally for treating stomach aches[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is often fond on disturbed ground such as along the sides of roads. This makes it sound like a potential pioneer species, though the rate of growth needs to be known first. There is also a possible concern that the plant could escape from cultivation and invade native habitats, so it should possibly only be used as a pioneer within its native range[].

Other Uses

The leaves and bark contain essential oils that are used in the perfume industry[].

The leaves are insecticidal[].

The wood is white and has a fine structure[]. Although often too small to be of much service, in Java the tree is large enough for the wood to be used for making axe handles[].

Propagation

Seed -

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