Leea rubra commonly known as Leea, Mali-Mali, Puchuk Merah, Memali, Red Leea, Red Tree-Vine, Red Tree Shrubis
Leea rubra commonly known as
Leea, Mali-Mali, Puchuk Merah, Memali, Red Leea, Red Tree-Vine, Red Tree Shrub
is a perennial woody shrub growing up to 3 m high.
Native to South East Asia it is found in India, Bangladesh, Indochina, throughout most of S.E.A. (including Singapore), Sabah and New Guinea to northern Australia.
It requires full sun: 6-8h, moderate water and is grown as roadside tree or cultivated for ornamental flowers
It has long pinnate leaves with many leaflets. The flowering stalk is compact, and flowers are bright red in colour with a yellow central disc.
Fruits are subglobose berries, turning dark red or purple when ripe, and have 6-seeds
Its flowers are pollinated by insects and butterflies. Fruits are eaten by birds and other small mammals.
It can be propagated by seed or stem cutting.
It is named Leea after James Lee (1715–1795), who was a nurseryman; and the specific name rubra, means red, referring to the colour of the flowers.
Medicinal uses include
Leaves are used as a poultice to treat wounds. The roots are used for reducing fevers and inducing perspiration and for treating arthritis, rheumatism and stomachaches. It is also mixed with arsenic to treat yaws. Fruits are also consumed to treat dysentery and yaws.
Reference
Plants of Singapore
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