Brucea javanica aka Macassar Kernels

Brucea javanica is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It is part of the Simaroubaceae family. Its native range spans Asia's tropics and subtropics to northern Australia. This range includes southern China and the Indian subcontinent. It also includes Malaysia and the Philippines. It grows in open woods, thickets, and along forest edges. It also grows on ridges and sunny sand dunes. Some sites have limestone ground. It occurs from sea level to about 2,950 feet [900 metres].

Soft hairs cover its twigs and leaves. Plants can reach 33 feet [10 metres] in height. The source gives no distinct size range for garden plants. Growth is fast, but the plant lives only a few years. Growers must raise new plants from seed from time to time. It starts to flower while still young. Flowers and fruit can appear in any month. Plants may be monoecious, with both sexes on one plant. Others are dioecious: male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Insects carry pollen to the flowers. The source states that this species is not self-fertile.

When grown, it prefers soil that drains well. It grows in full sun or partial shade. Its wild sites include wet ground and ground wet for part of the year. The evidence gives no rating for how much cold it withstands. It also gives no set plan for when to water. Growers can raise it from seed or ripe wood cuttings. The source says to remove the hard seed coat before sowing. In one trial, about 35 percent of seeds sprouted. Seeds sprouted over a broad span, from 11 to 273 days. Ripe wood cuttings use a sandy rooting medium.

People gather its fruits and roots from the wild for medicine. They collect other parts, too, and sell material in local markets. In Asia, long-held healing practices use seeds and roots most often. Reported uses include dysentery, diarrhoea, malaria, and fever. Other uses include coughs, pain in the abdomen, and haemorrhoids. These records report past healing practices, not directions for home treatment. The source lists no known food uses. Active compounds can cause mild toxic effects in the body.

The roots and seeds also have uses against insects. The seeds contain large amounts of very bitter oil. People use the seeds to kill insects. They also use the bitter root to deter insect attacks. These uses do not show that the plant resists garden pests.