Melicope confusa (Merr.) Liu, Native Introd. Lign. Pl. Taiwan 2 (1962)

Latin for 'confusing', referring to this taxon's confusion withMelicope glabra.

Synonyms
Euodia confusa Merr.

Description
Sub-canopy tree up to 24 m tall and 47 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves opposite, tri-foliate compound, leaflets penni-veined, glabrous to hairy. Flowers ca. 6 mm diameter, green-white, placed in panicles. Fruits ca. 8 mm diameter, greenish, dehiscent capsules. The black seeds remain attached to the inflorescence after fruit opening.

Ecology
In undisturbed to slightly disturbed (open sites) mixed dipterocarp forests up to 200 m altitude. On hillsides and ridges with sandy to clay soils. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant.

Uses
The roots are used to make parang handles. The bark is used for treating enlargement of the spleen. A decoction of the roots or leafy shoots with liquor is ingested to treat hives.

Distribution
Borneo (Brunei, Sabah, East-Kalimantan), Philippines, Celebes, Moluccas.

Local names
Borneo: Pau, Silang kampong.