Helicia javanica

Blume

Proteaceae Edible: Leaves

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Wikimedia Commons - Koorders, S. H.; Valeton, Theodoric

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President and Fellows of Harvard College

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President and Fellows of Harvard College

Description

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 3-10 m tall. The trunk is crooked and 10-15 cm across. The leaves are alternate or in rings of 3-4. The leaf stalks are short and thick. The leaf blades are broadly oval and the base is rounded or heart shaped. There are teeth along the edge. The leaves are bluish green or yellowish green and dull. They are 10-35 cm long by 5-17 cm wide. The flowers are at the top or in the axils of leaves. There are many flowers in a group 7-35 cm long. The flowers are 2-3 cm long and have both sexes. The fruit are an oval shape and oblique. There are grooves on the outside. They are yellowish-green and shiny.

Edible Uses

The bluish leaf shoots are cooked and eaten. Leaves are sold in local markets.

Traditional Uses

The bluish leaf shoots are cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in lower mountain regions between 200-1,200 m above sea level. It is often along rivers and in valleys, in the forest.

Where It Grows

Asia, Bangladesh, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand,

Other Information

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Also Known As

Kayu maributan, Kendung, Medang keladi, Sawa luka, Watutu

References (2)

Ochse, J. J. et al, 1931, Vegetables of the Dutch East Indies. Asher reprint. p 622
Priyadi, H., et al, 2010, Five hundred plant species in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park West Java. A checklist including Sundanese names, distribution and use. CIFOR, FFPRI, SLU p 72