Symplocos cerasifolia Wall. ex DC, Prodr. 8 (1844)
Latin for 'cherry-leaved', referring to the leaves being similar to leaves of the cherry tree.
Synonyms
Bobua cerasifolia (Wall. ex DC) Miers
Eugeniodes cerasifolium (Wall. ex DC) O.K.
Description
Mid-canopy tree up to 31 m tall and 33 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves
alternate, simple, penni-veined, glabrous to hairy, margin toothed. Flowers ca.
7 mm diameter, white, placed in short racemes. Fruits ca. 26 mm long,
green-blue, drupes.
Ecology
In undisturbed mixed dipterocarp, keranga and sub-montane forests up to 1000
m altitude. Usually on hillsides and ridges with poor sandy soils, but also on
clay and limestone. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance
remnant.
Uses
The bark is used as a mordant in tanning.
Distribution
Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo (Sarawak, Sabah, Central- and
East-Kalimantan), New Guinea.
Local names
Borneo: Jirak, Madang.
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