Parkia speciosa Hassk., Flora 25 (1842)

Synonyms
Inga pyriformis Jungh.
Mimosa pedunculata Hunter
Parkia harbesonii Elmer
Parkia macrocarpa Miq.

Description
Emergent tree up to 54 m tall and 117 cm dbh. Stipules? Leaves alternate, compound, leaflets opposite, penni-veined, glabrous, very small. Flowers ca. 1.5 mm diameter, green-yellow, placed in pear-shaped globose pendent inflorescence with stalks up to 1 m long. Fruits ca. 345 mm long, green, elongate pods.

Ecology
In undisturbed mixed dipterocarp to sub-montane forests up to 1000 m altitude. On alluvial sites but also on hillsides and ridges with sandy to clay soils. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant tree or planted.

Uses
The seeds are edible, often used in stews. Young leaves and fruits are used to make a medicine against liver diseases, worms, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Distribution
Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo (throughout the island), Philippines. Outside this area it is also cultivated.

Local names
Borneo: Kupang, Patai, Petai, Petai hutan, Potah.