Volume 7 > Part 3 > Year 2001 > Page 592 > Sterculiaceae > Melochia

2. Melochia umbellata (Houtt.) Stapfwfo-0001260558

Kew Bull. 1913: 317. 1913; Craib in Fl. Siam. Enum. 1. 179. 1925.— Visenia umbellata Houtt., Handl. 8: 309. 1777. Fig. 87; Plate XXI: C.

Accepted Name : This is currently accepted.

Synonyms & Citations :

Description : Small tree, up to 10 m high; young twigs densely hairy. Stipules ovate or oblong, caducous. Leaves cordate, 10–24 x 8–20 cm, apex acuminate, base truncate or broadly obtuse, margin dentate, sub-coriaceous, densely and softly hairy on both surfaces; 5 nerved at base. Petioles 5–15 cm long, hairy. Inflorescences a panicle of compound umbels, terminal or axillary, up to 20 cm long; pedicel 3-4 mm; peduncle 2–15 cm long; buds ovate, 4 x 2 mm, hairy, apex twisted and curved to one side. Flowers pinkish. Sepals united at base, divided into 5 narrow, triangular lobes, with acuminate apex, hairy on both surfaces. Petals free, oblong to lanceolate, 5–6 x 1 mm, opposite the calyx segments. Stamens 5, free, inserted at the base of petals. Ovary ovoid, with 5 longitudinal lobes, hairy; 5-locular, each with one ovule; style 5, free; stigma narrow, pointed. Fruits ellipsoid, 1–1.5 x 0.5–1 cm, dehiscing along ridges. Seed one in each locule.

Thailand : NORTHERN: Phrae, Tak; EASTERN: Nakhon Ratchasima; SOUTH EASTERN: Chanthaburi, Trat; PENINSULAR: throughout.

Distribution : India (type), Ceylon, Burma, Vietnam, Malay Peninsula, the Philippines, Australia, Polynesia.

Ecology : Scattered along edges of evergreen forests, 10–100 m alt. Flowering and fruiting: November–January, and always at same time every year, or simultaneously within populations.

Vernacular : Sa dam (สาดำ), thao yai mom luang (เท้ายายม่อมหลวง)(Northern); fai phi yai (ฝ้ายผีใหญ่)(Southeastern); po dam (ปอดำ), poe (เปอ)(Peninsular).

Uses: Wood used for handicrafts and toys.