Food Plants International

110
Names
English: Scientific name: Polyscias scutellaria (Burm.f.)Fosb.
Tok pisin: Synonyms: Nothopanax scutellaria (Burm.f.)Merr.
Tok ples: Plant family: Araliaceae
Description: A shrub which forms many branches from
the base. It is 1-6 m high and spreads 1.5-3 m wide.
The stems are bronze-green and there are distinct scars
where the leaves fall off. The leaves have long leaf
stalks and they can be simple or have 1-5 leaflets. The
leaves are often cup shaped. The leaf is elongated
along the leaf stalk for about a quarter of its length.
The leaves have teethed and are smooth on both sides.
They are dark green on top and lighter green beneath.
The leaf blade is 8-25 across and almost round or
kidney shaped. The leaf stalk is 6-28 cm long. The
flowers are 0.5 cm across. They are white or yellow.
The fruit is 0.7 cm across and purplish-black. It is
round and fleshy.
Distribution: It occurs in the lower altitude regions. It
needs well drained soils.
Cultivation: The shrub is often planted and pruned to form a hedge. It is grown from cuttings.
Production:
Use: The young leaves and tips are cooked and eaten.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible Moisture Energy Protein Calcium Iron proVit A proVit C
part % KJ g mg mg µg mg
Leaves 82.0 227 3.7 4.0 85
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Importance:
Zinc
mg