Reutealis trisperma

Reutealis trisperma is a medium-sized and deciduous tree growing up to 15 m with a dense crown and a straight bole.

The bark of Reutealis trisperma is light brown-coloured and longitudinally fissured.

The leaves of Reutealis trisperma grow alternately on the stem (spirally arranged).
The leaf is simple, dark green-coloured above and paler beneath. The leaf is chartaceous and glabrous on both sides (some minute hairs on the veins beneath).
The leaves have a 6-12 cm long petiole.
The blade of the leaf of Reutealis trisperma is 8-15 cm long and wide. The blade is heart-shaped, the apex is acuminate, the base is cordate and the margins are entire.
The venation of the leaf is pinnate.

The flowers of Reutealis trisperma are grouped in axillary and terminal racemes.
The flowers are unisexual.
The calyx-tube is cup-shaped, 2 or 3-lobed and about 5 mm long. The calyx is light green and finely pubescent.
The corolla is composed of 5 pinkish-coloured and pubescent petals. The petals are elliptic, 1 cm long and 0.5 cm wide.
The male flowers have 10 stamens in 2 series.
The female flowers have bifid styles and 3-celled, globose and hairy ovary.
The flowers are fragrant.

The fruit of Reutealis trisperma is a globose and 3-angular capsule. It is densely velvety-pubescent and 4-5 cm across.

The oil yielded by the seeds of Reutealis trisperma "was formerly employed in the Philippines for the production of a weak soap which was in demand among sailors owing to its property of lathering in sea water." (Airy Shaw, 1967; Pax, 1910)

Source : Stuppy, W., P.C. van Welzen, P. Klinratana & M.C.T. Posa. 1999. Revision of the genera Aleurites, Reutealis and Vernicia (Euphorbiaceae). Blumea 44: 73-98 - http://www.nationaalherbarium.nl/Euphorbs/specR/Reutealis.html