Soymida febrifuga

Name and publication

Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss., Mem. Mus. Paris 19: 251, et. 22, fig. 26 (1832).

Description

Fruits of the Indian-redwood are very common ingredients in imported potpourri. Whole fruits are sold as “wild lily flowers,” the columellas (central interior columns) are sold as “lily pods,” while segments of the pericarp, or valves, are sold as “lily petals.” The whole capsule is woody, five-celled and five-valved, opening septifragally, the valves separating, 6-7 cm long x 5-6 cm wide. The spongy, styrofoam-like columellas have five ribs, 5-6 cm long x 2-3 cm wide. The leaf-like, woody valves are flat to somewhat bowed, acute at at least one, 5-7 cm long x 1.5-2.5 cm wide.

Nativity and distribution

Soymida febrifuga is native to India and Sri Lanka.

Family

Meliaceae