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Useful Tropical Plants

Litsea glutinosa

(Lour.) C.B.Rob.

Lauraceae

+ Synonyms

Camellia integrifolia Choisy

Cylicodaphne sebifera Blume

Decapenta involucrata Raf.

Dodecadenia robusta Zoll. & Moritzi

Glabraria litoralis Miq.

Laurus crucifolia Noronha

Lepidadenia wightiana Nees

Litsea apetala (Roxb.) Pers.

Litsea baracatanensis Elmer

Litsea brideliifolia Hayata

Litsea chinensis Lam.

Litsea citrifolia Juss.

Litsea fruticosa Span. ex Blume

Litsea geminata Blume

Litsea glabraria Juss.

Litsea involucrata fernandezii M.R.Almeida & S.M.Almeida

Litsea laevis Juss.

Litsea laurifolia (Jacq.) F.M.Bailey

Litsea ligustrina Trimen

Litsea multiflora Blume

Litsea platyphylla Pers.

Litsea sebifera Pers.

Litsea undulata Zipp. ex Blume

Litsea wightiana (Nees) Benth. & Hook.f. ex B.D.Jacks.

Malapoenna macrantha Kuntze

Malapoenna undulata Kuntze

Pipalia solitaria Stokes

Polyadenia grandifolia Miq.

Sebifera glutinosa Blanco

Sebifera glutinosa Lour.

Tetradenia brideliifolia (Hayata) Makino & Nemoto

Tetranthera apetala Roxb.

Tetranthera capitata Roxb. ex Nees

Tetranthera citrifolia Spreng.

Tetranthera daradmeda Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.

Tetranthera fruticosa Roxb.

Tetranthera geminata (Blume) Nees

Tetranthera glabraria Nees

Tetranthera hispidula Zipp. ex Blume

Tetranthera laurifolia Jacq.

Tetranthera litoralis Blume

Tetranthera macrantha Wall.

Tetranthera multiflora (Blume) Nees

Tetranthera panshia Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.

Tetranthera platyphylla (Pers.) Nees

Tetranthera polycephala Wall. ex Meisn.

Tetranthera roxburghii Nees

Tetranthera salicifolia Zoll. ex Meisn.

Tetranthera sebifera Spreng.

Tomex sebifera Willd.

Tomex tetranthera Willd.

Common Name: Indian Laurel

Litsea glutinosa
Close-up of a fruir
Photograph by: Unknown
Image credit to Australian National Botanic Gardens
Litsea glutinosa Litsea glutinosa Litsea glutinosa Litsea glutinosa Litsea glutinosa Litsea glutinosa

General Information

Litsea glutinosa can be deciduous or evergreen[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
]. A small to medium-sized tree growing 3 - 20 metres tall, it has a straight or curved, unbuttressed bole up to 60cm in diameter[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
721
Title
Commercial Woods of the Philippines; Their Preparation and Uses
Publication
Philippines Bureau of Forestry Bulletin No. 14
Author
Schneider E.E.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Bureau of Forestry; Manilla.
Year
1916
ISBN
 
Description
A series of booklets dealing with various aspects of the Philippine forests. This volume looks at the preparation and uses of the commercial woods of the Philippines. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and for a range of commodities. It is a commonly used medicinal herb in India, where it is gathered in quantity from the wild for local use and for trade[
2020
Title
Trade in Indian Medicinal Plants
Publication
Ethnobotany of India Vol 5., 321-345, 2018
Author
D.K.Ved, S.Noorunnisa Begum, & K.Ravi Kumar
Publisher
Apple Academic Press; Oakville, Canada
Year
2018
ISBN
978-1-77188-600-0
Description
 
]. The wood is used locally and also traded with other Litsea species as a source of 'medang'.
Litsea glutinosa is a wide-spread and common species. Although there has been a decline in its area of occupancy and extent of occurrence, as well as a loss of quality of its habitat, these are considered insufficient to threaten the plant on a global scale. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
931
Title
Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) No. 39
Publication
 
Author
Thawatchai Santisuk (Editor)
Publisher
The Forest Herbarium (BKF); Chatuchak, Bangkok.
Year
2011
ISBN
0495-3843
Description
A botanical journal, publishing papers on taxonomy (especially vascular plants), nomenclature, phylogeny, systematics, plant geography, and floristics; also morphology, palynology, cytotaxonomy, chemotaxonomy, anatomy and other relevant disciplines.
,
2011
Title
A revision of Litsea (Lauraceae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
Publication
Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 73(1): 81-178. 2021
Author
Kok R.P.J. de
Website
http://10.26492/gbs73(1).2021-07
Publisher
 
Year
2021
ISBN
 
Description
A very detailed treatment of the species

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to Australia.

Habitat

Forest margins, streamsides, sparse forests or thickets at elevations of 500 - 1,900 metres[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
]. Mixed primary and secondary forest and thickets[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].

Properties

Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Edibility Rating *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *  *
HabitEvergreen Tree
Height15.00 m
PollinatorsInsects
Cultivation StatusWild

Cultivation Details



A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[
2011
Title
A revision of Litsea (Lauraceae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
Publication
Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 73(1): 81-178. 2021
Author
Kok R.P.J. de
Website
http://10.26492/gbs73(1).2021-07
Publisher
 
Year
2021
ISBN
 
Description
A very detailed treatment of the species
].

Edible Uses

The fruits have a sweet creamy edible pulp[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].

Medicinal

The feebly balsamic, mucilaginous bark is one of the best known and most popular of native drugs in India. It was probably adopted by Muhammadan physicians in India as a substitute for an Arabian drug, called Maghath, the botanical source of which is uncertain. It is largely employed as a demulcent and mild astringent in the treatment of diarrrhoea and dysentery, and is also esteemed as an aphrodisiac[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
1503
Title
Indian Medicinal Planta
Publication
 
Author
Kirkitar K.R.; Basu B.D. & Indian Civil Service
Publisher
Sudhindra Nath Basu, BahadurGanj; India
Year
1918
ISBN
 
Description
 
]. A decoction of the bark is used in the treatment of intestinal catarrh[
345
Title
Minor Products of Philippine Forests
Publication
 
Author
Brown. W. H.
Publisher
Bureau of Forestry, Manilla.
Year
1920
ISBN
 
Description
A useful guide to some of the plants of the area, though terse on details. The book is out of copyright and can be legally downloaded from the Internet.
].
Freshly ground, the bark can be used either dry, or triturated in water or milk, as an emollient application to bruises, and as a styptic dressing for wounds. It is also supposed to be anodyne, and to act as a local antidote to the bites of venomous animals[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1503
Title
Indian Medicinal Planta
Publication
 
Author
Kirkitar K.R.; Basu B.D. & Indian Civil Service
Publisher
Sudhindra Nath Basu, BahadurGanj; India
Year
1918
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
The root bark and leaves are used medicinally in China to reduce fever, reduce swelling, and treat diarrhoea[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
]. They also may be used for treating furunculosis[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
].
The leaves, and the mucilage in the gum from the bark, have been used for making poultices[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].

The oil from the berries is used in the treatment of rheumatism[
1503
Title
Indian Medicinal Planta
Publication
 
Author
Kirkitar K.R.; Basu B.D. & Indian Civil Service
Publisher
Sudhindra Nath Basu, BahadurGanj; India
Year
1918
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
The pounded seeds are applied externally against boils[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].

The leaves are mucilaginous and have a pleasant odour of cinnamon[
1503
Title
Indian Medicinal Planta
Publication
 
Author
Kirkitar K.R.; Basu B.D. & Indian Civil Service
Publisher
Sudhindra Nath Basu, BahadurGanj; India
Year
1918
ISBN
 
Description
 
]

Other Uses

The bark and wood contain gluten and may be used as binders[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
].

The seed core contains around 50% of oil, which is used to make soap[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
].
The seeds contain an aromatic oil which has been used to make candles and soap[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
]. Although it says aromatic oil, if it is actually referring to making candles then it probably refers to a fixed oil - essential oils will only be used to add a pleasant aroma[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

An extract of the bark is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[
1243
Title
CosIng
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
CosIng is the European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients.
].
An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant and skin conditioner[
1243
Title
CosIng
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
CosIng is the European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients.
].

The roots yield fibres that are used for rope manufacture and for paper pulp[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].

The yellow-brown to olive-grey wood is close and even-grained, the grain is slightly crossed in narrow bands; the texture is fine and dense. The wood is moderately hard, moderately heavy, durable, not attacked by insects. It seasons well. It is used for making furniture[
146
Title
A Manual of Indian Timbers.
Publication
 
Author
Gamble. J. S.
Publisher
Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh
Year
1972
ISBN
-
Description
First written in the 19th century, but still a classic, giving a lot of information on the uses and habitats of Indian trees. Not for the casual reader.
,
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
721
Title
Commercial Woods of the Philippines; Their Preparation and Uses
Publication
Philippines Bureau of Forestry Bulletin No. 14
Author
Schneider E.E.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Bureau of Forestry; Manilla.
Year
1916
ISBN
 
Description
A series of booklets dealing with various aspects of the Philippine forests. This volume looks at the preparation and uses of the commercial woods of the Philippines. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
There are a number of tree species (including this one) from southeast Asia that are in the family Lauraceae and produce a useful timber that is either not distinct enough in itself, or is in insufficient supply, to warrant being traded individually. These various species have been lumped together under the trade name ‘medang’[
467
Title
The Philippine Journal of Science. Vol. 4
Publication
 
Author
Freer P.C. (Editor)
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
The Bureau of Science, Philippines.
Year
1909
ISBN
 
Description
A number of articles on Philippine plants, including one on the qualities of Philippine woods.
,
895
Title
Timber Notes - Light Hardwoods II
Publication
Timber Technology Bulletin No. 10
Author
Gan K.S.; Lim S.C.; Choo K.T.
Publisher
Forest Research Institute; Malaysia
Year
1998
ISBN
139-258
Description
Part of an excellent series of publications, this one giving a brief guide to five lesser known groups of light hardwoods from southeast Asia. It is available in PDF format on the Internet.
].
We do not have any more specific information of the wood from this species, but a general description of medang timber is as follows:-
The heartwood is very variable, from light-straw to red-brown and olive brown; the sapwood is ill-defined. The texture is moderately fine but even; the grain interlocked or wavy; the surface dull. The wood is soft to moderately hard, not very durable. It is easy to slightly difficult to resaw, and easy to moderately easy to cross-cut; easy to plane and the surface produced is smooth to moderately smooth. It is suitable for decorative work such as interior finishing, panelling, furniture and cabinet making. It is also suitable for plywood manufacture, whilst the heavier species are suitable for medium construction under cover[
467
Title
The Philippine Journal of Science. Vol. 4
Publication
 
Author
Freer P.C. (Editor)
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
The Bureau of Science, Philippines.
Year
1909
ISBN
 
Description
A number of articles on Philippine plants, including one on the qualities of Philippine woods.
,
895
Title
Timber Notes - Light Hardwoods II
Publication
Timber Technology Bulletin No. 10
Author
Gan K.S.; Lim S.C.; Choo K.T.
Publisher
Forest Research Institute; Malaysia
Year
1998
ISBN
139-258
Description
Part of an excellent series of publications, this one giving a brief guide to five lesser known groups of light hardwoods from southeast Asia. It is available in PDF format on the Internet.
].

Propagation

Seed - germination is not very rapid, approximately 85% germination is achieved in 15 - 45 days[
303
Title
World Agroforesty Centre
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-12-06. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Litsea+glutinosa>

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