Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine-Various parts of the plant are used in traditional Chinese medicinefor treating digestive problems, respiratory issues, and fever. Ornamental-The attractive foliage and flowers make it suitable for ornamental planting.
Bangaldesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal
Thrives in forests, forest margins, exposed places, at altitudes up to 2500 m.
It can grow into a small tree or a large shrub.
Stem is woody and often branched, with a smooth or slightly rough bark.
Leaves are simple, alternate, and often ovate or elliptic or round to heart-shaped. They are typically 8-15 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The upper surface is dark green and glossy, while the lower surface is paler. The leaf margin is entire.
Flowers are borne in leaf axils, in 3-15-flowered cymes. They are about 2 cm in diameter, with 4-7 sepals and 6-8 petals. The petals are lance-shaped and white or greenish-white.
Fruit is a drupe, ovoid in shape, and about 5-7 mm in diameter. It turns black or purplish-black when ripe.
Flowering: May – July
Fruiting: September – October