ရေပိတုန်း

Myanmar Name – Yepadone

Common Name – Bishop wood

Botanical Name – Bischofia javanica Blume

Family Name – Phyllanthaceae

Habitat – Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Habit – A deciduous or semi-evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters (about 98 feet) tall, with a straight trunk and a broad, rounded canopy. The tree is known for its fast-growing nature.

Bark – Rough, dark brown to reddish-brown, and tends to peel off in irregular scales. When cut, the inner bark reveals a reddish color.

Leaves – Compound and trifoliate (composed of three leaflets). The leaflets are ovate to elliptic, with a smooth margin, and range from 5 to 15 cm in length. They are glossy green on the upper surface and paler underneath.

Inflorescence – A panicle, which can be up to 30 cm long. These panicles are often found in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches.

Flower – Small, unisexual, and dioecious, male flowers are found in clusters and have 5-6 stamens, while female flowers are usually solitary or in small groups with a superior ovary.

Fruit and Seed – Small, round, berry-like drupe, about 1-2 cm in diameter. The fruits are green when young and turn purplish-black when ripe. Each drupe contains one to three seeds. The seeds are small, brown.

Flowering and Fruiting Time – Flowering time from March to May and fruiting time from August to October.

Usage – The wood of Bischofia javanica is durable and resistant to termites, making it suitable for construction, furniture, and flooring. Also used for firewood and charcoal production due to its good burning qualities.