Bandicoot-berry (Leea indica, Philipp. J. Sci. 14: 245 (1919))

Family: Vitaceae

Author: (Burm.f.) Merr.

Bibliography: Philipp. J. Sci. 14: 245 (1919)

Year: 1919

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Leea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to W. Pacific

Description

Bandicoot-berry, scientifically known as Leea indica, is a noteworthy plant commonly found across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, extending to the Western Pacific. This plant belongs to the Vitaceae family, which is known for its diversity and numerous species spread across different climates.

Originating from its native range, Bandicoot-berry has adapted well to a variety of environments, making it a resilient and versatile species. In its natural habitat, it often thrives in the understorey of forests, benefiting from the shelter and humidity these environments provide. The plant’s survival in such diverse climatic conditions reflects its ecological adaptability.

Leea indica features lush green foliage that can add an ornamental value to gardens and natural landscapes. The leaves are typically broad, providing an ample surface area for photosynthesis, which supports its rapid growth. During its flowering season, Bandicoot-berry produces small, yet visually appealing flowers. These flowers often attract pollinators, contributing to the plant’s reproductive success and biodiversity in the regions where it grows.

One of the significant aspects of Bandicoot-berry is its role in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. In many cultures, the roots, leaves, and stems are harvested for use in treating a range of ailments, reflecting the plant’s importance in herbal medicine traditions.

Leea indica’s ecological contributions are also remarkable. It provides shelter and food for various species of insects and animals, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in its native regions. By supporting diverse wildlife, it ensures the sustainability of the ecosystems it inhabits.

The plant’s adaptability and diverse applications make it a subject of interest not only to botanists and horticulturists but also to those interested in traditional medicine and ecological conservation. Despite its widespread occurrence, efforts to study and conserve this plant remain vital to ensure that it continues to thrive amid changing climatic conditions and habitat loss.

Bandicoot-berry’s resilience and multi-faceted uses underscore its significance. As we continue to explore and understand more about this extraordinary plant, it exemplifies the intricate connections within natural ecosystems and the enduring legacy of traditional knowledge.

Common Names

Msa: memali
Swe: asiatisk leea
Eng: bandicoot-berry
Khm: បាយក្ដាំង
En: Bandicoot-berry, Bandicoot Berry
Ar: ليا هندية
As: আহিনা
Zh: 火筒树
Fi: Punaleea
Fr: Leea de Guinée
Km: បាយក្ដាំង
Ms: Memali
Ml: ഞഴുക്
Si: ගුරුල්ල
Sv: Asiatisk leea
Zh-tw: 印度火筒樹
Ta: பொலவக்கொடி
Th: กะตังใบ

Synonyms

• Leea gigantea (Griff.)
• Leea sambucina var. biserrata ((Miq.) Miq.)
• Leea palembanica (Miq.)
• Leea expansa (Craib)
• Leea naumannii (Engl.)
• Leea ottilis (DC.)
• Leea sundaica (Miq.)
• Leea sumatrana (Miq.)
• Leea sambucifolia (Salisb.)
• Leea striata (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Leea heterophylla (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Leea nova-guineensis (Valeton)
• Aquilicia ottilis (Gaertn.)
• Aquilicia sambucina (L.)
• Leea sundaica var. fuliginosa ((Miq.) Miq.)
• Leea sambucina var. sumatrana ((Miq.) Miq.)
• Leea sundaica var. subsessilis (Miq.)
• Leea sundaica var. pilosiuscula (Span. ex Miq.)
• Leea fuliginosa (Miq.)
• Leea divaricata (Teijsm. & Binn.)
• Leea speciosa (Sieber ex Miq.)
• Staphylea indica (Burm.f.)
• Otillis zeylanica (Gaertn.)
• Leea simplex (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Leea ramosii (Merr.)
• Leea gracilis (Lauterb.)
• Leea pubescens (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Leea roehrsiana (Sander)
• Leea viridiflora (Planch.)
• Leea umbraculifera (C.B.Clarke)
• Leea sambucina var. robusta (Miq.)
• Leea sambucina var. occidentalis (C.B.Clarke)
• Leea sambucina var. simplex (Miq.)
• Leea biserrata (Miq.)
• Leea sambucina var. roehrsiana ((Sander) Chitt.)
• Leea celebica (C.B.Clarke)
• Leea sambucina var. heterophylla (Zipp. ex Miq.)
• Leea callosa (Zipp. ex Miq.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laccadive Is. (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Santa Cruz Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 2000 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 20, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Jan 7, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 21, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 21, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 2000 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 2000 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Dec 21, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4160336)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:870443-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth