A variable species, three distinct forms have been recognised.

Common Name:

General Information

Memecylon edule is an evergreen sub-canopy tree that can grow up to 23 metres tall, but is usually smaller[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber and edible fruit, which are used locally[, ]. The tree flowers once or twice a year and then looks very beautiful[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Habitat

Relatively open undisturbed mixed dipterocarp, swamp, coastal, keranga and sub-montane forests up to elevations of 1,400 metres[]. Often on alluvial sites near rivers and streams, but also common on hillsides and ridges, usually on sandy soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have no specific information for this species, but in general the species in this genus succeed in full sun or in partial shade, growing best in a moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil[].
Plants concentrate aluminium in their leaves and are thus able to grow in aluminium-rich acid soils that can be toxic for many other species.
The tree responds very well to coppicing[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. The pulp is astringent[].

Medicinal

The bark is used to treat bruises[].

An infusion of the flowers is used to treat inflammation of the conjuctiva[].

Other Uses

The leaves are rich in aluminium and have been used traditionally as a mordant for fixing the colour of dyes.
A yellow and a crimson dye can be extracted from the leaves and flowers. It can be used for dyeing cottons and woven goods such as mats[, ].

The light brown wood is very hard, close-grained[]. Used for house posts and building boats[, ].
An excellent fuel, it also makes a good charcoal[, ].
We have no more specific information for this species, but in general the wood of Memecylon species is usually white to brown, very dense and heavy, sinking in water. It is also often very durable. Where the wood gets large enough it is often used traditionally for purposes such as poles, house posts, lumber and furniture[].
The wood of many species in the genus has a high calorific value and is often favoured as a fuel and for making charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed -
Air layering

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