Polyscias javanica

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Polyscias javanica

Description

Glabrous shrub or sparsely branched small tree, bearing spirally arranged leaves towards the ends of the branches. Leaves imparipinnate, c. 70 cm long; Inflorescence a panicle; Petals 5, 2½-3 mm long. Stamens 5, with very short filaments. Ovary turbinate, 1.5 mm high, 5-celled, styles at first erect, later recurved. Fruit a globose or obovoid fleshy drupe (prominently 5-ribbed when dry) c. 7 by 5 mm;

Distribution

Asia-Tropical, East Java present, Lesser Sunda Is present, Lombok present, Sumba present, Sumbawa present
Malesia: East Java, Lesser Sunda Is. (Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumba).

Uses

The root is said to be made into a face powder in Sumbawa.

Notes

The vegetative parts are rather similar to those of 6. P. cumingiana, but the smaller and simpler inflorescence is distinctive.

Citation

Philipson 1978 – In: Blumea: 169
Bakh. f. & Ooststr. 1948 – In: Back., Bekn. Fl. Java, (em. ed.), 7: fam. 159, p. 12
Koord. 1916 – In: Atlas: f. 679 A-R
Back. & Bakh.f. 1965 – In: Fl. Java: 167