Barringtonia asiatica has many medicinal uses and its wood is used to construct boats and huts

Barringtonia asiatica (Poison Fish Tree, Fish-killer Tree, Beach Barringtonia, Sea Poison Tree, Box Fruit, Putat Gajah/Laut in Malay) Backaches and sore joints can be treated using its bark, leaves and fruits. Rheumatism can be treated using the fresh leaves while their juices are used to treat diarrhoea. Intestinal worms can also be expelled by ingesting the […]

Cornus florida is the state tree of Virginia and state flower of North Carolina

Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood, White Dogwood Tree) It is the state tree of Virginia and state flower of North Carolina. Flowering Dogwood has lovely flowers in spring, attractive foliage  in summer and fall as well as colourful fruits in fall. Native Americans used it as a treatment for malaria.

Psychotria elata is commonly known as Hot Lips Plant for the shape of its bright red bracts that resemble two luscious lips

Psychotria elata (Hooker’s Lips, Hot Lips Plants, Hot Lips, Mick Jagger’s Lips) The plant has become internet-famous because of its flowers or rather the shape of the red bracts (modified leaves) before the flowers mature. From these bracts tiny white, stare-shaped flowers emerge. It is commonly known as Hooker’s Lips or the Hot Lips Plant […]

Diospyros kaki produces sweet and tasty edible orange fruits

Diospyros kaki (Asian Persimmon, Japanese Persimmon, Oriental Persimmon, Buah Pisang Kaki in Malay) Chinese White Radish or Giant White Radish is primarily grown for its large, succulent and edible root vegetable. Turnip cake made with Chinese white radish is a traditional Lunar New Year dish. Growing wild, they are regarded as invasive species in many regions.

Metroxylon sagu is an important plant grown for its edible starch

Metroxylon sagu (Bataua Palm, Seje Palm, Pataua Palm, Ungurahui) It has been said that where Metroxylon sagu grows, nobody ever goes hungry. It is an important plant economically grown throughout tropical Asia as a source of edible starch accumulated in its stem in large amounts. An impressive palm with new leaves in brilliant red and […]