Excoecaria cochinchinensis Lour.
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Description
Excoecaria cochinchinensis is an evergreen shrub or small tree, usually 2–6 m tall, with a dense, bushy crown and upright branching habit. The stem is woody, greyish-brown, and produces a highly irritating white latex when damaged. Leaves are simple, opposite, leathery, elliptic to lanceolate, usually 5–15 cm long, with finely serrated margins, an acute apex, and a glossy dark green upper surface. The lower surface of leaves is often reddish-purple, providing an important ornamental feature. Flowers are small, unisexual, and arranged in axillary spikes or racemes. The species is generally dioecious, with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants. Male flowers are numerous and clustered, while female flowers are fewer and produce the characteristic fruits. Fruits are small, dry, three-lobed capsules containing three seeds.
Diagnostic Characters
Distribution
Native range: Native to Southeast Asia, Southern China, Vietnam. Cultivated widely in Tropical Asia, Ornamental gardens worldwide.
In Pakistan: Cultivated as an ornamental shrub in Botanical gardens, Parks, University campuses, Private gardens.
Phenology
Ethnobotany & Uses
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Taxonomic Notes
Excoecaria cochinchinensis belongs to the tribe Hippomaneae of Euphorbiaceae, a group known for latex-producing species.