Xanthophyllum obscurum A.W.Bennett, Fl. Br. India 1 (1874)

Synonyms
Banisterodes insigne (A.W.Bennett) O.K.
Banisterodes obscurum (A.W.Bennett) O.K.
Xanthophyllum insigne A.W.Bennett
Xanthophyllum scortechinii King

Description
Mid-canopy tree up to 35 m tall and 54 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate, simple, penni- to tripli-veined, venation barely visible, glabrous. Flowers ca. 26 mm diameter, white-pinkish-bluish, placed in unbranched inflorescences. Fruits ca. 65 mm diameter, green-yellow-brownish, berries filled with many seeds in white, sweet, pulp.

Ecology
In undisturbed mixed dipterocarp, keranga and sub-montane forests up to 1000 m altitude. On hillsides and ridges with clay to sandy soils. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant.

Uses
The wood is used for knive sheaths. The fruits are edible.

Distribution
Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo (throughout the island).

Local names
Borneo: Kiu, Kriu belubiatup, Langir, Mengkudu, Merbatu, Ngilas, Nyalin.