Ardisia elliptica Thunb.,
Nov. Gen. Pl. 8 (1798)
Latin for 'elliptic'.
Description
Small tree up to 13 m tall and 20 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate,
simple, penni-veined but venation barely visible, glabrous. Flowers ca. 13 mm
diameter, pinkish-purple, placed in panicles. Fruits ca. 5 mm diameter,
pinkish-red with dots, fleshy drupes.
Ecology
Coastal along beaches, mangrove edges, tidal riversides and peat-swamps up
to 30 m altitude. On sandy soils.
Uses
The roots are used medicinally at child birth. Fruits are edible.
Distribution
Sri Lanka, Nicobar Islands, Indo-China and Thailand to New Guinea and
Australia. In Borneo collected throughout the island along the coast.
Local names in Borneo
Kayu lundu, Limjong, Merjima, Pis-pis, Sarusup, Semporna, Serusop, Serusup,
Surusup, Tapiok, Tursop laut.
