Common Name:

General Information

Macaranga carolinensis is an evergreen tree; it usually grows from 10 - 20 metres tall[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is an important local source of fuelwood, the wood is commonly sold for fuel in local markets[]. The tree has potential for use as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland or when establishing a woodland garden.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia to the Caroline and Gilbert Islands.

Habitat

Open, secondary forest formations in lowland areas[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used for wrapping food before cooking[].

Medicinal

A handful of the young leaves is crushed while fresh, and the sap is taken four to five times per day to relieve stomach ache[]. A handful of fresh, young leaves, combined with the leaves of Glochidion ramiflorum, is crushed, and the juice is drunk as a remedy for stomach ache[]. The juice pressed from the leaves is drunk to relieve diarrhoea[].
For treating constipation, four to six young leaves are crushed, and the juice is drunk (this report may have been misapplied to this species, and may rightly belong to Citrus limon[].

An even number of leaves, inflorescences and buds is crushed and mixed with a few drops of coconut oil. The paste is then plastered onto a bruise[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Commonly foud in open areas and secondary forest, this species is one of the main pioneer species in abandoned garden areas within its native range[]. It has potential for use as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland or when establishing a woodland garden[].

Other Uses

The leaves are used to seal earthen ovens, to parcel seafood to keep it fresh, and to parcel food before cooking[].

The wood is soft. It is used in light construction for rafters, walling frames, flooring and battens; for wood carving; banana cases, and other purposes[].
Because it is readily available, the wood is a major local source of firewood[].

Propagation

Seed -

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is greater, 5 or 9?