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Bischofia javanica
Phyllanthaceae FAMILY

Bischofia javanica

Bischofia javanica

Edibility
2/5
Medicinal
2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitSemi-deciduous Tree
GrowthFast

Java cedar grows mainly in areas of the tropics and subtropics with a distinct dry season, being found at elevations from sea level to 1,800 metres[1]. Prefers a position in full sun, though seedlings and young trees are more shade tolerant[2, 3]. Prefers deep loose soils, such as sandy, rocky or loamy soils, with sufficient water content[1]. Established plants are moderately drought tolerant[2]. Plants are moderately tolerant of salt-laden winds[2]. The plant has escaped from cultivation in southern USA, where it has become a weed[1]. Plants commence flowering annually from around the age of 8 years[1]. Although generally only flowering once a year, the fruits can hang well and, in some areas, can be available all year round[4]. Trees respond well to coppicing and pollarding[5]. The tree generally survives forest fires[5]. The plant does have rather brittle wood, which can break off in windy conditions[2]. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required[5].

Propagation

Seed may be sown under shade or in full sunlight, provided water is adequate. Young plants need plenty of water, therefore direct sowing in the field is not appropriate. Germination starts 1 - 3 weeks after sowing and after 5 - 6 weeks about 70 % of the seed have germinated[1]. Seed storage behaviour is uncertain, viability has been maintained for 3 months in open storage at room temperature, after which it is reduced. Seed may be collected in large quantities and can be stored for up to 6 months[1]. Stem cuttings[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-19. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Bischofia+javanica>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

  1. [1]World Agroforesty Centre — http://www.worldagroforestry.org/ ↩︎An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
  2. [2]Tropical and Subtropical Trees - A Worldwide Encyclopaedic Guide. — Barwick. M. · Thames & Hudson, London · 2004 · ISBN 0-500-51181-0 ↩︎A superb book, very concise and well written, giving a wealth of information on 400 or more species including descriptions, habitat, cultivation details and plant uses. A wealth of colour photographs bring each plant vividly to life.
  3. [3]Trees of Laos and Vietnam - A Field Guide to 100 species. — Hoang Van Sam; Khamseng Nanthavong; Kessler P.J.A. · Blumea · 2004 ↩︎A detailed guide, with excellent line-drawings, to 100 of the more important trees of Laos and Vietnam. A very good work, giving lots of information about each plant. Originally published in the journal Blumea, it is available as a PDF on the Interne
  4. [4]Medicinal Plants in Papua New Guinea — World Health Organisation · 2009 · ISBN 978-92-9061-249-0 ↩︎Traditional medicinal uses of 126 species from Papua New Guinea, including information on modern research into the plants.
  5. [5]Agroforestry in the Pacific Islands: Systems for Sustainability — W.C. Clarke and R.R. Thaman (Editors) · United Nations University Press, Tokyo · 1993 · http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80824e/80824E00.htm#Contents · ISBN 92-808-0824-9 ↩︎The guide includes information on 100 species of plants for Agroforestry. It is also available on the web at the address given above.
  6. [6]Medicinal Plants in Vietnam — Nguyen Van Dan & Doan Thi Nhu · World Health Organisation · 1989 · ISBN 92 9061 101 4 ↩︎An excellent book, giving information on over 200 plants, their medicinal compounds and applications.
  7. [7]Cornucopia II — Facciola. S. · Kampong Publications, California. · 1998 · ISBN 0-9628087-2-5 ↩︎The second edition of an excellent guide to the edible uses of plants, though it does not give any details of cultivation etc.
  8. [8]Dictionary of Economic Plants. — Uphof. J. C. Th. · Weinheim · 1959 · ISBN - ↩︎An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.