| Xanthophyllum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Xanthophyllum flavescens, India | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Polygalaceae |
| Tribe: | Xanthophylleae Chodat |
| Genus: | Xanthophyllum Roxb.[1][2] |
| Species | |
See text | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
| |
Xanthophyllum is a genus of about 109 species of trees and shrubs, of the plant familyPolygalaceae;[3][2] (under theCronquist system it was previously placed in the monotypic familyXanthophyllaceae). The generic name is from theGreek meaning "yellow leaf", referring to how the leaves are often yellow when dry. InBorneo it is known asminyak berok inMalay ornyalin in theIban language.[4]
Xanthophyllum species grow as trees or shrubs. Their twigs are often smooth and are coloured green or yellow. Leaves, when not drying yellow, dry green or dark brown. Flowers feature five petals. The mostly roundish fruits are not winged and measure up to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter. Fruits of some species are considered edible, e.g.X. ecarinatum,X. obscurum andX. stipitatum.[4]
Xanthophyllum grows naturally from India in tropicalAsia to northernAustralia. The majority of species grow in lowland rainforest. Some species grow at higher altitudes in hill or montane forests. Others occur in peatswamp orkerangas forests.[4]
As of February 2021[update], the following is a list of accepted species:[3]
