Olax zeylanica
Linn.
Malla
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(c) Christopher Stephens, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Christopher Stephens
Summary
Source: WikipediaOlax zeylanica is a plant species in the family Olacaceae and the type species of the genus Olax. It is found in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, where it is widely used as a leafy vegetable in rural areas. It is known by local people as "මැල්ල - mella" in Sri Lanka.
Description
A small tree. Young branches are yellow and angled. They have fine ridges. The leaves are oval to oblong and taper to a short base and tip. The flowers are small and in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are bright red and oval.
Edible Uses
The leaves are eaten as a salad and used as a potherb.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are eaten as a salad. They are also used as a potherb.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Leaves- vegetable, medicinal. It is widely used as leafy vegetable and also as remedy for snake bites in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic medicine.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in moist lowland regions.
Where It Grows
Asia, India, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka*,
Other Uses
The yellowish-white wood is hard, close-grained and even-grained. It resembles boxwood (Buxus spp.). We have no records of the wood being used.
Other Information
It is commonly used as a leafy vegetable.
Also Known As
Mella
References (3)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 406
- Ashton, M. S., et al 1997, A Field Guide to the Common Trees and Shrubs of Sri Lanka. WHT Publications Ltd. pdf p 308
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 446
