Xanthophyllum obscurum
A.W.Bennett, Fl. Br. India 1 (1874)
Latin for 'unclear or dark'.
Synonyms
Banisterodes insigne (A.W.Bennett) O.K., Banisterodes obscurum
(A.W.Bennett) O.K., Xanthophyllum insigne A.W.Bennett, Xanthophyllum
scortechinii King
Description
Mid-canopy tree up to 35 m tall and 54 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves
alternate, simple, penni- to tripli-veined, venation barely visible, glabrous.
Flowers ca. 26 mm diameter, white-pinkish-bluish, placed in unbranched
inflorescences. Fruits ca. 65 mm diameter, green-yellow-brownish, berries filled
with many seeds in white, sweet, pulp.
Ecology
In undisturbed mixed dipterocarp, keranga and sub-montane forests up to 1000
m altitude. On hillsides and ridges with clay to sandy soils. In secondary
forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant.
Uses
The wood is used for knive sheaths. The fruits are edible.
Distribution
Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo (throughout the island).
Local names in Borneo
Kiu, Kriu belubiatup, Langir, Mengkudu, Merbatu, Ngilas, Nyalin.
