Sterculia versicolor

Wall.

Malvaceae Edible: Seeds

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Conveyor Belt

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Meise Botanic Garden

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Conveyor Belt

Description

A tall tree. The leaves have lobes like fingers on a hand and have long leaf stalks. There are 7-9 leaflets. The flowers are yellow and in long groups. The fruit pods or follicles are large and rough. They have dark brown brittle hairs. They contain 10 seeds.

Edible Uses

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the large seeds of many species in this genus are used for food. Usually cooked, they are rich in oil and have a flavour described by some as like peanuts.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are roasted and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in moist evergreen forests in the hills.

Where It Grows

Asia, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seeds.

Propagation

A physical dormancy caused by the hard seed coat of the mature seeds of many species in this genus can be overcome by scarifying the seed. This is carried out by cutting away or abrading some of the seed coat to allow the ingress of water, though great care must be taken not to damage the embryo. The aril surrounding the seed should also be removed - this is easiest when it has been softened through soaking in water. The seeds germinate optimally at temperatures between 20 - 30°c. They can be sown in a nursery seedbed or in containers. A germination rate of about 95%, occurring within about 2 weeks can be expected if the seed has been properly treated.

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for making ropes and cordage.

Notes

Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Synonyms

Clompanus versicolor KuntzeSouthwellia versicolor Wight

Also Known As

Dieng-star, Durong, Durong-phang, Nemja, Pang-khau, Paw-hpuk, Shaw-phyu

References (5)

Kar, A., et al, 2013, Wild Edible Plant Resources used by the Mizos of Mizoram, India. Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology. Vol. 9, No. 1, July, 2013, 106-126
Mozhui, R., et al, 2011, Wild edible fruits used by the tribals of Dimapur district of Nagaland, India. Pleione 5(1): 56 - 64
Patiri, B. & Borah, A., 2007, Wild Edible Plants of Assam. Geethaki Publishers. p 16
Sawian, J. T., et al, 2007, Wild edible plants of Meghalaya, North-east India. Natural Product Radiance Vol. 6(5): p 422
Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p 83