Ironwood (Fagraea fragrans)

Family: Gentianaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Fagraea fragrans or commonly known as Ironwood or Tembusu is a large evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The trunk is dark brown and deeply fissured. The leaves are oval and light green in colour. The flowers are yellowish with distinct fragrance. The fruits are bitter, red berries. Ironwood grows up to 25 m tall with a straight, cylindrical bole of up to 150 cm in diameter.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The root may be edible. — The root may be edible.

Habitat & North American Range

Light primary and secondary forest in humid or seasonally inundated locations, avoiding stagnant water. In freshwater-swamp forest, found in association with Melaleuca spp. Also occurs naturally as a pioneer in burnt-over areas and lalang grassland[ 303. (Zone 10)