Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., J. Arn. Arb. 9 (1928)

Synonyms
Ailanthus gracilis Salisb.
Brucea amarissima (Lour.) Desv. ex Gomes
Brucea glabrata Decne
Brucea gracilis (Salisb.) DC
Brucea sumatrana Roxb.
Brucea sumatrensis Spreng.
Gonus amarissimus Lour.
Lussa radja Rumph.
Rhus javanica L.

Description
A shrub or small tree, 1-3 m high; younger parts softly pubescent. Leaves compound-paripinnate; leaflets 5-11, oval-lanceolate, 5-10cm long by 2-4cm wide; apex acuminate, base broadly cuneate and often somewhat oblique; margin serrate; both surfaces densely pubescent, especially the underside. Flowers minute, purple, in numerous small cymes or clusters collected into axillary panicles. Sepals 4, connate at the base. Petals 4, villous, glandular at the tips. Male flowers, stamens 4, pistil reduced to a stigma; female flowers, stamens 4,much reduced. Ovary with 4 free carpels. Fruit and drupe ovoid, black when ripe. Seeds, compressed, rugose, blackish brown.

Ecology
On open, disturbed sites up to 1000 m altitude. Often along rivers, forest edges and roads on sandy to clay soils.

Uses
The roots and fruits are used against diarrhoea, dysentery and fevers. The crushed leaves are used medicinally against ring worms, scurf, boils, centipede bites and internal pains.

Distribution
From India, Sri Lanka and southern China to New Guinea and northern Australia. In Borneo collected throughout the island.

Local names
Borneo: Jajaruman, Jaloot, Kuinin, Mara, Merapayas, Morinja, Pait-pait, Payas, Tongkat ali.