Common Name:

General Information

Memecylon dichotomum is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it can grow 6 - 12 metres tall though occasionally it is only a shrub up to 3 metres. The bole can be straight, or irregular with many nodes; it is up to 30cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia.

Habitat

Both primary and secondary formations of lowland and hill forest, favouring well-drained locations but also found in areas subject to periodic inundation; at elevations up to 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 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[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A sweet flavour[, ]. The fruit can be stupefying[]. The blackish, globose fruit is around 12 - 16mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The liquid from boiled roots is drunk after childbirth[]. They are used as a post-partum remedy[]. The boiled roots are used as a treatment for rheumatism[].

Other Uses

The wood is very heavy and durable. It is used traditionally for house posts, which last for 5 or 6 years when exposed, and for making spring bows (belantek)[].
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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