Makha Tree, Cambodia Beng Tree

Afzelia xylocarpa

Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: afzelia

Plant ID (slug): afzelia-xylocarpa

Numeric ID: 20122

USDA Hardiness: 10-12

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Afzelia xylocarpa is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southeast Asia - Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Edible Part: Leaves, Seeds, Oil. The fatty cotyledons of young seeds are eaten[ 325 , 384 , 404 ]. An oil is obtained from the seeds[ 404 ].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent The plant is used medicinally for relieving toothaches and eye diseases[ 266 ]. The bark is astringent[ 404 ]. It is used in local medicine[ 404 ].