Homalomena griffithii (PROSEA)
Introduction |
Homalomena griffithii (Schott) Hook.f.
- Protologue: Fl. Brit. India 6: 534 (1893).
Synonyms
Homalomena obliquata (Schott) Hook.f. (1893).
Vernacular names
- Malaysia: kelemoyang, kemoyang, asam tikus (Peninsular).
Distribution
Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and northern Borneo.
Uses
In Peninsular Malaysia a decoction of leaves and roots is given to women to expedite childbirth, and a poultice is applied externally in cases of lumbago. The leaves may be added to curries for a sour flavour.
Observations
A small herb up to 20 cm tall, stem erect, stout; leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 10-18 cm × 4-6.5 cm, base cuneate to rounded, often asymmetrical; spathe 2.5-3 cm long, green, spadix about as long as the spathe. H. griffithii is a variable species in which several varieties can be distinguished. It occurs in lowland forest, where it often grows in small clumps and is locally common.
Selected sources
121, 789.
Main genus page
Authors
Harini M. Sangat