Charcoal Tree

Trema orientalis

Physical Characteristics

Trema orientalis is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Indian subcontinent, southern China, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesi

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: The leaves and fruit are reported to be eaten in the Democratic Republic of Congo[303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antidote Antitussive Dysentery Malaria Odontalgic Parasiticide Vermifuge The plant is vermifuge, and is known to have anti-plasmodium properties[303 ]. Both bark and leaf decoctions are used as a gargle, inhalation, drink, lotion, bath or vapour bath for coughs, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, gonorrhoea, yellow fever, toothache[303 ]. The leaves are reported to be a general antidote to poisons[303 ]. A bark infusion is drunk to control dysentery[303 ]. A tea made from small pieces of the roasted wood is used to treat dysentery[46 ].

Known Hazards

None known