| Etymology | Genus | After the name Gnemon |
|---|---|---|
| Species | After the Moluccan common name of the plant, Ganema | |
| Family | Gnetaceae | |
| Synonyms | Gnetum ovalifolium Poir., Gnetum acutatum Miq. | |
| Common Names | Belinjau | |
| Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
| Form | Tree | |
| Native Distribution | Tropical America, Africa, Asia, Australia | |
Diagnostics:
Gnetum gnemon is a very commonly cultivated tree also present in abandoned plantations. It is distinctive from its conical form, rings along its stem, and the white threads from the torn leaves.
Interesting Facts:
The kernel from the Belinjau's seed is pounded flat, and then sunned and fried to form a bitter delicacy called Emping Belinjau, or Belinjau Crackers (Corner, 1997). The variety found in Singapore is Gnetum gnemon var. gnemon.
Form of the Belinjau. It may be multi or single stemmed.
Venation of the leaf.
Leaves are usually droopy.
Sclereid threads from a torn leaf.
Rings at the stem.
Male cone.
Female cones.
References
Corner EJH. (1997) Wayside Trees of Malaya. Volume 2. 4th edition. The Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. 297 pp.Author: Jake
Posted: 2014-04-23 / Modified: 2017-12-25