Trema tomentosum

(Roxb.) H. Hara

Poison Peach

Cannabaceae Edible: Insect larvae, Caution Potential hazards — see below 4,075 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A shrub with several stems. It grows 4 m high. The stems are covered with stiff hairs. The leaves are alternate. They vary in shape but are oval. They can be 2-13 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The leaves are rough to touch. The leaves have teeth along the edge and a pointed tip. They are paler underneath. The flowers are green or white. They are on short stalks in the axils of leaves. The male and female flowers are separate on the same plant. The fruit are fleshy and round. They are 3 mm across. They occur in bunches are change from green to black as they mature.

Edible Uses

Aboriginal people in Australia cooked and ate the larvae of wood-boring insects that inhabit this plant.

Traditional Uses

CAUTION: Parts of this plant can cause liver damage. Plants vary in their toxicity. In Australia Aboriginal people cooked and ate the larvae of a wood boring insect that attacks this plant.

Known Hazards

Parts of this plant can cause liver damage. Plant toxicity varies between individuals.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical areas.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, East Africa, East Timor, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Ryuku, SE Asia, Sikkim, Timor-Leste, Vietnam,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Notes

Also put in the family Ulmaceae.

Also Known As

Kywe-sa, Satsha

References (12)

Cowie, I, 2006, A Survey of Flora and vegetation of the proposed Jaco-Tutuala-Lore National Park. Timor-Lests (East Timor) www.territorystories.nt/gov.au p 55
Fl. E. Himalaya 2:19. 1971 "tomentosa" [As tomentosum] - may not be specifically distinct from T. orientalis (L.) Blume\; the genus is of neuter gender according to NCU-3
Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 5
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 301 (var. viridus)
Jackes, B.R., 2001, Plants of the Tropics. Rainforest to Heath. An Identification Guide. James Cook University. p 85

Show all 12 references

Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 238
Melzer, R. & Plumb, J., 2011, Plants of Capricornia. Belgamba, Rockhampton. p 352
Milson, J., 2000, Trees and Shrubs of north-west Queensland. DPI p 298
Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 565
Townsend, K., 1994, Across the Top. Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. Society for Growing Australian Plants, Townsville Branch Inc. p 359
Wheeler, J.R.(ed.), 1992, Flora of the Kimberley Region. CALM, Western Australian Herbarium, p 76
Williams, K.A.W., 1999, Native Plants of Queensland Volume 4. Keith A.W. Williams North Ipswich, Australia. p 372