Cabbage tree (Pokok Kobis)

Limahlania crenulata

Description

Limahlania crenulata is a tree growing up to 20 m tall with a distinct pagoda-shaped crown and open horizontal branching. When young, the pale grey bark is densely covered in spines which are gradually shed as it matures. The bark also becomes fissured as it ages. The leaves are broadly obovate with rounded leaf tip and a pair of ear-like appendages at the leaf base. Thick and fleshy like cabbage, the leaf is finely toothed along the margin. It has creamy yellow and funnel-shaped flowers, and the fruits are green, elliptical, leathery, dull green with many polygonal seeds within.

Place of origin

Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo

Ethnobotanical uses

The wood is used for piling because it is resistant to insect borers, especially with the bark on. The wood is also good as firewood.

IUCN conservation status

Least Concern (LC)