Alphonsea javanica Scheff., Tijdschr. Ned. Ind. 31 (1870)

(Latin for 'of Java')

Synonyms
Alphonsea ceramensis Scheff.

Description
Sub-canopy tree up to 21 m tall and 30 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, upper leaf surface shiny after drying. Flowers ca. 20 mm in diameter, yellow, placed in bundles of 1 to 4 flowers, opposite of leaf attachment. Fruitlets ca. 33 mm long, yellowish-green, placed in an apocarp of ca. 50 mm diameter, each fruitlet with several seeds, the ripe fruitlets tend to burst open, exposing sweet, edible flesh, seen eaten by monkeys.

Ecology
Undisturbed lowland forest up to 950 m altitude, but usually below 300 m. Found mainly on hillsides and ridges. Also reported on ultramafic and limestone soils. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant.

Distribution
Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Sarawak, Sabah and East-Kalimantan), Philippines, Celebes and the Moluccas.

Local names
Borneo: Maluwitam djambu; Pisang-pisang.