Etymology

Bischofia is a genus named in honour of a naturalist called Bischof. Javanica means “from the island of Java”.

Description and flowering period

Bischofia javanica is a tree reaching from 30 to 45 meters in height. It bears persistent compound leaves composed of 3 oval to rounded leaflets with lightly toothed margins and a pointed apex. The flowers, each bearing 5 petals, are grouped in greenish-white clusters called panicles. The fruits are rounded drupes and can vary in colour from pink, red, brown to orange.

Uses

Food & drink: Wine is made from the fruits, the leaves are a key ingredient in a traditional spicy sauce in southern areas of Laos. Seeds are also edible.
Craftsmanship: The tannins present in the bark are used to dye rattan baskets in red. The wood is used to build furniture as well as larger construction works such as bridges.
Medicinal: Roots are used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
Miscellaneous

The oil present in the seed (30 to 54% oil content) is used as a lubricating agent.

Notes

It is considered as a sacred tree in Taiwan. In India, in the jungles of Bengal and the Assam Province, the trees’ trunk often bear scratch-marks made by tigers to mark their territory.

Translated by: François Saint-Hillier – MNHN