Phaeanthus splendens Miq., Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugd. Bat. 2 (1865)

Synonyms
Miliusa lucida (Oliv.) Finet & Gagnep.
Phaeanthus crassipetalus Becc.
Phaeanthus lucidus Oliv.

Description
Sub-canopy tree up to 26 m tall and 28 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, colouring black when dried. Flowers with ca. 11 mm long petals, white-yellow coloured, placed in 1-3 flowered bundles, rhamiflorous. Fruitlets ca. 22 mm long, dark purple and fleshy, placed in apocarp, fruitlets one or two seeded.

Ecology
Undisturbed lowland dry and freshwater swamp forests up to 540 m altitude. Usually on sandy loam soils on steep hills and ridges. Also found on limestone. Quite often found in secondary (logged) forests, where it is usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant.

Uses
Leaves are used against eye and skin infections.

Distribution
Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo (Sarawak, Brunei, Sabah, West-, Central- and East-Kalimantan).

Local names
Borneo: Banitan, Kayo balet membat, Pising-pisang, Samahei, Semukau, Sinyair.