Polyosma fragrans Benn., Pl. Jav. Rar.

Latin for 'scented', referring to the flowers.

Synonyms
Itea fragrans Wall.

Description
Sub-canopy tree up to 25 m tall and 41 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate to opposite, simple, penni-veined, glabrous. Flowers ca. 13 mm diameter, white-yellow, placed in racemes. Fruits ca. 6 mm diameter, blue-purple, drupes.

Ecology
In undisturbed to disturbed (open) mixed dipterocarp, keranga, and sub-montane forests up to 1600 m altitude. Both common on alluvial sites with clay soils as well as on sandy ridges.

Distribution
Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo (Sarawak, Sabah, East-Kalimantan), Philippines.

Local names
Borneo: Bah, Batang atab hitan.