Anthocephalus chinensis

  

The well-branched, smooth, flaky trunk is silvery in colour. Stipules are conspicuous on young twigs terminally, paired at the nodes, and oval-shaped, usually with a pinkish tint. Leaves with a short petiole are arranged in opposites on branches. Young leaves are copper-coloured and turn green when mature. Leaves are broadly rounded or ovate in shape with a rounded base and tip, 08-30 cm long and 6-15 cm broad. Flowers are borne on globose heads, usually with a short, solitary stalk growing on the axils of leaves. The filaments of the flowers’ stamens are conspicuous and add beauty to the flowers. The fruit is a fleshy, globose berry.

• Common Name In Sri Lanka: Bakmee (බක්මී)
• Scientific Name: Nauclea orientalis
• Other Names: Rata Bakmee (Sinhala)
• Habitat: Damp areas along the water tributaries of wet and dry deciduous forests - up to 300 m.
• Average Height: Up to 30 meters