Myrmeconauclea strigosa (Korth.) Merr., Philip. J. Sci. 17 (1920)

Latin for 'with stiff hairs'.

Synonyms
Bancalus strigosus (Korth.) Kuntze
Nauclea strigosa Korth.
Neonauclea strigosa (Korth.) Merr.
Sarcocephalus fluviatilis Elmer

Description
Shrubs up to 4 m tall and 5 cm dbh. Twigs often swollen with openings for ants. Stipules ca. 6 mm long, pointed to rounded. Leaves opposite, simple, penni-veined, glabrous to hairy. Flowers ca. 5 mm diameter, white, with corolla tube, placed in globose flower heads. Fruits ca. 35 mm diameter, greenish, fruiting body composed of connected fruit carpels filled with very small winged seeds.

Ecology
In undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forests up to 600 m altitude. Always on river banks or in the rivers between rocks. On sandy to clay soils, also on limestone. The twigs provide living space for ants (swellings with ant openings).

Uses
The crushed leaves applied on the belly, are used against premature delivery.

Distribution
Borneo, Philippines.

Local names
Borneo: Dugal gawak, Panahan, Pitand.