Debregeasia longifolia
(Burm. f.) Weddell
Long-leaved water hemp, Wild rhea
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Summary
Source: WikipediaDebregeasia longifolia also known as Orange Wild Rhea, is a large shrub growing up to a height of 5 meters seen in wet areas from plains to 1500m. Commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indo-China, west China and Malesia. In Matupi Township, Chin, Debregeasia longifolia is also known as Haikaeng Thing. Its wood is used for making charcoal and fiber used for fishing-lines. The fiber extracted from bark is used for house construction.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 1-3 m tall. The small branches are dark brown. The leaves are long and oval with teeth along the edge. They are 6-20 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. They are dark green above when mature and ashy soft hairs underneath. The male and female flowers are produced separately on the same plant. The flowers are whitish and in small heads. The fruit are yellow when ripe. They have many small embedded nutlets.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. The reddish or yellowish orange fruit is up to 12mm in diameter. The following entry was listed under Debregeasia edulis, but probably should apply here instead Fruit - raw. The yellow fruits are pleasantly sweet, their flavour is said to resemble strawberries.
Traditional Uses
The ripe fruit are eaten fresh or raw. The leaves are boiled and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The juice of the leaves is applied to areas of skin affected by scabies.
Known Hazards
Unlike many species in the nettle family (Urticaceae), members of this genus do not have stinging hairs.
Distribution
A tropical plant. In Nepal it grows from 500-2200 m altitude. It grows along river banks. In central and western China it grows to 1,400 m altitude. It suits shady moist places. In Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown by cuttings or seed.
Propagation
Sow seed in a greenhouse from late winter to mid-summer, barely covering it. Germination typically occurs within 1–2 months at 20°C. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and grow on under glass for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer.
Other Uses
A strong fibre obtained from the stem bark is used for making twine and rope. The wood is used mainly as fuel.
Production
In southern India plants flower and fruit December to April and in north India June to February.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 81.7 | — | 72.5 | 3 | — | 3.9 | 7.3 | — |
Synonyms
Also Known As
Bayo esing, Bol-tysim, Chyet-kyi-dauk, Daar, Dalah esing, Githi, Hka-numri, Jirepole, Kattunochi, Kowlousii, Ling-shi-ting, Lingsi, Madeilo, Mao ma qiang ga, Monili, Namey, Neerinch, Ngamey, Ngamoy, Put-chaw, Qia bu ren, Sansaru, Sifei, So-tyrsim, Tashiari, Tatamtanam, Tsunyu, Tusaray, Tusare, Tushaare, Tushar, Tushiari, Tushiyari, Tussara, Udu, Wild rhea, Yangyangpa, Ye-tha-kwa
References (32)
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