Drypetes longifolia (Blume)
Pax & K.Hoffm., in Engl. Pflanz. IV.147 15 (1922)
Latin for 'long leaves'.
Synonyms
Cyclostemon longifolius Blume, Cyclostemon macrophyllus Blume,
Cyclostemon macrophyllus var. malaccensis Hook.f., Drypetes
macrophylla (Blume) Pax & K.Hoffm.
Description
Mid-canopy tree up to 32 m tall and 76 cm dbh. Twigs hollow and inhabited by
ants. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, strongly unequal leaf base,
glabrous, large. Flowers ca. 8 mm diameter, whitish, placed in axillary bundles.
Fruits ca. 26 mm long, orange-reddish, cauliflorous, fleshy drupes.
Ecology
In undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forests up to 600 m altitude. On alluvial
(river sides) and dry (hillsides and ridges) sites with sandy soils. Also found
on limestone. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant
tree. The plant is defended by the ants that live symbiotically in the twigs of
this species.
Uses
The fruits are edible.
Distribution
From Andaman Islands and Thailand to New Guinea. In Borneo found in Sarawak,
Brunei, Sabah, West-, Central- and East-Kalimantan.
Local names in Borneo
Kikr daun besar, Maklawi, Mintulang.
