Synonyms: 

Diospyros elegantissima Bakh.

Ebenus buxifolia (Blume) Kuntze

Systematic Position

Kingdom:  Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Ericales Bercht. & J. Presl

Family: Ebenaceae

Native: Tropical Asia

Common Names

English – Small-leaved Ebony

Malayalam – എലിച്ചെവിയൻ, തോരക്കാലി

Description:

 A species of tree known for its dense, evergreen foliage and small, black, edible fruit. It is a tree, up to 35 m tall. Its alternate, stalked leaves have leaf blades that are elliptic or almost rhomboid, and 1.2-7 cm long and 0.5-3 cm wide, with faint, lateral veins. Its tiny male flowers grow in clusters of 2-5, and its tiny female flowers develop singly. Its ellipsoid fruits are 1.6 cm long.

Habitat: Evergreen and semi-Evergreen forests.

Distribution: India to Indochina and in Malesia.

Uses: Used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its wood is prized for carving and construction. It also cultivated in the garden for its lush green attractive leaves.