Dillenia suffruticosa (Griff.)
Martelli in Becc., Malesia 3 (1886)
Latin for 'shrub-like'.
Synonyms
Dillenia suffruticosa var. borneensis Ridl., Wormia
burbidgei Hook.f., Wormia subsessilis Miq., Wormia subsessilis
var. borneensis Ridl., Wormia suffruticosa Griff.
Description
Shrub up to 10 m tall. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined,
petiole winged along the whole length. Flowers ca. 95 mm in diameter, yellow,
placed in sometimes composed racemes. Fruits ca. 23 mm long, red, dehiscent
capsule, seeds with scarlet aril.
Ecology
Mostly in secondary forest or open places in undisturbed forest (including
keranga) such as riversides up to 700 m altitude. Mostly found on alluvial
places such as swamps, mangroves, riversides, but sometimes also present on
hillsides and ridges. On clayey to sandy soils.
Uses
Medicinal properties of leaves and roots are used against inflamations,
itch, stomach ache, and recovery after delivery. Also many magical properties.
Planted as an ornamental.
Distribution
Sri Lanka, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Sarawak, Brunei,
Sabah, South- and East-Kalimantan). Also introduced in the tropics worldwide.
Local names in Borneo
Buan, Dungin, Simper ayer, Simpoh, Simpor, Simpor bini, Simpor rimba,
Tambakau.
