Common Name:

General Information

Toddalia asiatica is a prickly, climbing, evergreen shrub producing stems from 2 - 20 metres long[, ]. The stems attach themselves to other plants for support by means of their sharp, recurved prickles[]. When growing in an open, sunny position, the plant often grows as a shrub and does not climb[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of dyes and essential oils. It is sometimes cultivated for medicinal use and is also grown as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East Africa - Ethiopia to S. Africa, including Madagascar, Reunion; E. Asia - Indian subcontinent, China, through Indo-China to Indonesia, Philippines

Habitat

Forests near rivers or streams[]. Thickets and forests near coasts, especially in calcareous regions, in southern Japan[]. Humid forests, from sea-level up to 2300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of subtropical to tropical climates, it will only flourish in frost-free areas with a fairly high annual rainfall[].
Succeeds on clay soils[].
The whole plant is covered in numerous glandular dots which contain acidic oils - it is believed that these can help protect the plant from pests[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Although much smaller, it tastes like a cross between an orange and a lemon[]. The fruit is 5 - 7mm in diameter[[].

All parts of the plant are used to flavour foods[].

Medicinal

The whole plant is aromatic or hot and pungent, and used as a bitter or aromatic tonic[]. It is used to boost digestive function and to treat fevers[].

The fruit is used as a cough remedy[].

The roots are used in the treatment of indigestion and influenza[].
The root and its bark have been used as a remedy for fever, malaria, cholera, diarrhoea and rheumatism[].

The leaves are used in the treatment of lung diseases and rheumatism[]. An infusion is used as a treatment for asthma[].

Agroforestry Uses:

With its prickles, this species could be used to make a good security barrier[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the root bark[, ].

The leaves contain 0.08% of a valuable essential oil that is used in low-grade perfumery[]. The oil comprises mainly linalool and citronellal, it has an odour suggesting a mixture of camphor and lemon grass[].

Propagation

Seed - it germinates quickly[].
Cuttings about 30cm long taken from the growing tips[]. Place the cuttings in damp sand[]. A growth hormone can be used to stimulate the development of roots[].

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: Type the digit seven into the box