Moluccan Ironwood (Intsia bijuga)

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

Other common names include Kwila, Johnston River Teak, Ipil, Merbau, and Scrub Mahogany. Intsia bijuga or commonly known as Moluccan Ironwood is a medium-sized flowering tree that can be found on sand and coral beaches and dry mangroves in East Africa and East Asia. It grows up to 50 m tall with a buttressed trunk and spreading crown. The leaves are shiny green and the flowers are fragrant.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The seeds can be eaten after careful preparation. They are traditionally soaked in salt water for 3 - 4 days and then boiled. It is a famine food. Fruit may be poisonous. — The seeds can be eaten after careful preparation.; They are traditionally soaked in salt water for 3 - 4 days and then boiled.; It is a famine food.; Fruit may be poisonous.

Habitat & North American Range

Often found on sand and coral beaches, but also in periodically inundated localities further inland. It also occurs in dryland mangroves which are the final stage of mangrove forest succession and the transition to inland forests. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)