eurycoma longifolia

​Eurycoma longifolia is an usually unbranched, small tree up to 12 m tall, with branches crowned by a rosette of leaves. Its flowers are bell-shaped, greenish white to greenish red or purple, 6 mm wide, with petals that are 4.5-5.5 by 1.5-3 mm, and develop each into 1-5 fruits.

Taxonomy:

• Family :Simaroubaceae

Common Names:

• Brunei, Iban : Tongkat Ali
• English  : Ali’s Umbrella

Habitat and Distribution:
It grows in heath forest, sandy coasts, submontane forest, and the understorey of primary and seconfary forest to 1,200m altitude. It is abundant on well-drained, sandy soils. Eurycoma longifolia thrives in Tropical and Sub-Tropical regions. It is native to Southern Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Borneo.

Uses:

• Medicinal : The young leaves are eaten raw to relieve stomach pains.  The roots are used as an aphrodisiac based mostly on folklore, and they also contain anti-malarial compounds. A decoction of the root is used to reduce fevers, reduce high blood pressure, and relieve gastric pains. The roots are also used to induce vomiting, and poultice sores, ulcers, and wounds. The bark is used for blood clotting in childbirth complications.