Hiptage benghalensis aka Hiptage

Hiptage benghalensis is a woody evergreen in the Malpighiaceae family. Its native range spans tropical and subtropical parts of Asia. This includes southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. It also extends through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines form part of its range. Kew places the species in the wet tropical biome. The RHS records that it is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Its form can vary from a shrub to a climber. Kew also describes it as a liana or tree. Useful Tropical Plants lists a height of about 20 feet [6 metres]. That figure is not a stated range for garden plants. Its branches can reach 10–33 feet [3–10 metres] or more. Branch length and plant height are separate measures here. The long branches reflect its ability to take a climbing form. It keeps its leaves rather than shedding them each year. The supplied accounts give no further details of leaf shape or bark.

In the wild, this species grows in several kinds of cover. These include dense forest, more open forest and valley scrub. It also occurs beside rivers, fields and roads. Recorded sites lie at 328–6,234 feet [100–1,900 metres] above sea level. These records describe wild habitat, not tested garden needs. The supplied sources give no firm guidance on sun, soil or watering. They also give no hardiness zone or frost limit. Useful Tropical Plants lists seed as a means of propagation. It provides no sowing method or germination details. The evidence does not establish a flowering season or describe its fruit.

People gather this plant from the wild for medicinal use. The leaves have a recorded use for treating skin diseases. This is a report of use, not proof of safe treatment. The plant also has reported insecticidal properties. The source gives no method for preparing or applying it. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food use for the species. It also records no known hazards, but that does not establish safety. The supplied accounts do not assess risks to pets or people. Nor do they describe garden pests, diseases or invasive behaviour.