Polyscias verticillata

Primary tabs

Polyscias verticillata

Description

Glabrous, small tree to 7 m with few branches bearing spirally arranged leaves towards their ends. Leaves imparipinnate, up to 1 m long; Inflorescence a large panicle; Petals 5, 2.5 mm long. Stamens 5, anthers oblong, c. 1-1½ mm long. Ovary turbinate, c. 1 mm long, 2-celled; Fruit globose, fleshy, black, compressed, c. 4 by 7 mm when dry;

Distribution

Admiralty Is present, Asia-Tropical: New Guinea present, Bagabag I present, New Britain present, New Hanover present, New Ireland present, Solomon Is present
Solomon Is.; in Malesia: New Guinea (New Britain, New Ireland, New Hanover, Admiralty Is., and Bagabag I.).

Uses

The young foliage is eaten fresh or boiled.

Notes

Cut surfaces produce a sweet scented sticky exudate. The petals are violet within, the fruits purple-black.

Citation

Philipson 1978 – In: Blumea: 169