Propagated by seeds, cuttings, air layering, or collecting wild saplings from under mature trees. Seeds should be sown fresh from the fruit as they lose viability very rapidly and after 4-6 weeks it rarely germinates. Sow on the surface of loose soil and under shade. Do not bury them as this seriously reduces the germination percentage. Germination starts 1-3 weeks after sowing and is complete after 5-12 weeks. For shade, plant at 6 m x 6 m. For timber production, plant at 2 m x 3 m. Regular pruning is tolerated
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Syzygium polyanthum
Food
Lumber
Medicinal
English Common Name
Indonesian bay leaf
Indonesian Common Name
Salam, Manting (Javanese), Ubar Serai (Sumatra)
Tree Family
Myrtaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
10.5cm
Length
×
4.75cm
Width
Tree Height
Medium (20–35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1000m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Indonesia
Native to
Region
Asia
Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Coffee Impact
Unknown
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Regenerates Naturally
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Food
- Lumber
- Medicinal
Ripe fruits are edible and slightly astringent, and the aromatic leaves are added early on as a spice, either fresh or dried, and left to cook with various meat, fish, rice, and vegetable dishes as their flavor develops gradually. Leaf and bark extracts are used medicinally against diarrhea and pounded leaves, bark, and roots are applied as poultices against itches. The wood is used for house building and furniture.
Farm Services
- Unknown
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
Used by Javan loris as connectivity. Seeds dispersed by birds.