70
Kaki Ayam - Dracaena elliptica Thunb. & Dalm. - Asparagaceae [1]
Synonym:
Pleomele elliptica (Thunb, & Dalm.) N.E.Br. [1]
Other names:
Kerbau besar (Kedah), Sabang ensluai (Iban) [1], Sipak (Sabah) [2]
General information:
A shrub to 2 m tall; lowland to montane forest; widespread. [1]
Distinguish botanical characteristics:
Leaf – light green on both sides, spirally arranged, has distinct parallel veins across its length, leathery, lance- or narrowly oval-lance-shaped [3]
Stem – slender, branched [3]
Inflorescence – light green, terminal panicle [3]
Fruits – round or 2-3 lobed, fleshy orange-red (ripe) [3]
Stem – slender, branched [3]
Inflorescence – light green, terminal panicle [3]
Fruits – round or 2-3 lobed, fleshy orange-red (ripe) [3]
Uses:
Medicinal uses – Leaves and flowers – boiled in water (tonic) and as bath [2]
Others – consume as leafy vegetables by the indigenous people of Sabah [4], suitable for parks and gardens [2]
Major/bioactive phytochemicals:
Protein, fibers, carbohydrate [4]
References:
[1] https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/12074
[2] Kulip, J., Telopia (2003), 10(1), 81-98
[3] https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/4/5426
[4] Saupi, N. et al., Journal of Agriculture Food and Development (2019), 5, 1-8.
SK & NMH, 2022
