Gomphia serrata (Gaertn.)
Kanis, Taxon 16 (1967)
Latin for 'with saw tooths', referring to the leaf margin.
Synonyms
Campylocerum neriifolium (Bartell.) Tiegh., Campylocerum zolingeri
Tiegh., Campylospermum abbreviatum Tiegh., Campylospermum beccarianum
(Bartell.) Tiegh., Campylospermum borneense (Bartell.) Tiegh.,
Campylospermum cumingii Tiegh., Campylospermum kingii Tiegh.,
Campylospermum perakense Tiegh., Campylospermum plicatum Tiegh.,
Campylospermum strictum Tiegh., Campylospermum sumatranum (Jack)
Tiegh., Campylospermum wallichianum Tiegh., Gomphia angustifolia
Vahl, Gomphia microphylla Ridl., Gomphia oblongifolia Ridl.,
Gomphia sumatrana Jack, Meesia serrata Gaertn., Ochna angustifolia
(Vahl) O.K., Ochna sumatrana (Jack) O.K., Ouratea angustifolia (Vahl)
Baill. ex Laness, Ouratea arcta Craib, Ouratea beccariana
Bartell., Ouratea borneensis Bartell., Ouratea crocea (Griff.)
Burk., Ouratea megacarpa Ridl., Ouratea microphylla (Ridl.) Craib,
Ouratea neriifolia Bartell., Ouratea sumatrana (Jack) Gilg,
Ouratea sumatrana var. nervosa Craib
Description
Understorey tree up to 15 m tall and 45 cm dbh. Stipules small and united.
Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, with secondary venation placed close
together, venation inconspicuous, glabrous, leaf margin finely serrate or
entire. Flowers ca. 9 mm diameter, yellowish, placed in thyrses, sometimes
appearing racemose. Fruits ca. 7 mm diameter, red-purple, consisting of several
individual fleshy drupes connected to the flower base.
Ecology
Usually in secondary vegetations or open places in mixed dipterocarp,
keranga, swamp and sub-montane forests up to 1200 m altitude. On alluvial sites
near rivers and streams as well as on hillsides and ridges. Usually on poor
sandy soils, but also on clay and limestone.
Uses
The wood makes good charcoal and is also used in house building. The bitter
roots and leaves are used against stomach complaints. The twigs are used against
toothache.
Distribution
From Sri Lanka, India and southern China to the Philippines and Celebes. In
Borneo collected throughout the island.
Local names in Borneo
Aam, Alas, Amir burgang, Antimagas gimbaan, Bakan bitanag, Batu-batu, Biobi,
Cenaga lampong, Guintalay, Keladang, Kelutak, Kolambang, Majang-majang,
Malatangor, Melindingan, Mulak, Ondogong, Penaga lampong, Pinis, Posoon,
Quintalai, Tampalanuk, Tengkejing kering, Tulangkara.
