| |
False
coffee plant
Fagraea racemosa
Family Loganiaceae
The False coffee plant grows along the paths of the coastal road to
Chek Jawa under the shelter of the taller trees. It resembles the
coffee plant, but is not related to it. It is also called 'Kopi
hutan' or 'Forest coffee plant' in Malay.
A slow-growing shrub, it can grow into a medium-sized tree about 2m
tall. White flowers (each 2-4cm) hang in drooping bunches under the
large, leathery leaves. The flowers usually attract lots of ants.
The flowers turn into bunches of green fruits.
Role in the habitat: Bats
eat the fruits and disperse the seeds.
Human uses: The large, leathery
leaves are ideal for wrapping food. The plant has many medicinal uses
among natives in Southeast Asia. Another Malay name for it is 'Sepuleh'
or 'The Healer'. In the Philippines, a traditional snake bite antidote
is made from its flowers, leaves, bark and roots.
Status and threats: The plant
is quite common especially in low-lying swampy areas.
Other
references
- Corners,
E. J. H., 1997. Wayside Trees of Malaya: in two volumes.
Fourth edition, Malayan Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. Volume 1:
1-476 pp, plates 1-38; volume 2: 477-861 pp., plates 139-236.
|
|
Whole plant
Inflorescence
Flowers
Fruits |
|
quick
facts
About 5m tall, common in the coastal hill forest, growing
under the taller trees along the paths. |
