Author: Mads Danesoe

087 Garcinia atroviridis – Asam Gelugur (ส้มแขก / Somkhaek)

ส้มแขก (Somkhaek) / Asam Gelugur Family: Clusiaceae Garcinia atroviridis, known in Thailand as ส้มแขก (Somkhaek), is a tropical tree bearing sour yellow-green fruits used widely in Thai cuisine and traditional medicine. It is native to Southeast Asia and is highly valued for its digestive and detoxifying benefits. Botanical Characteristics This medium-sized evergreen tree reaches up […]

086 Garcinia mangostana – Mangosteen (มังคุด / Mangkhut)

มังคุด (Mangkhut) / Mangosteen Family: Clusiaceae Garcinia mangostana, or มังคุด (Mangkhut) in Thai, is a tropical evergreen tree known as the “Queen of Fruits.” It is treasured across Southeast Asia for both its delicious fruit and potent medicinal benefits derived from its rind and leaves. Botanical Characteristics Mangosteen is a slow-growing tree reaching 6–25 meters […]

085 Citrus hystrix – Kaffir Lime (มะกรูด / Makrut)

มะกรูด (Makrut) / Kaffir Lime Family: Rutaceae Citrus hystrix, known in Thailand as มะกรูด (Makrut), is a small citrus tree recognized by its distinctive double leaves and fragrant fruit. It plays a vital role in Thai herbal medicine and cooking, offering both aromatic and cleansing properties. Botanical Characteristics This evergreen shrub or small tree grows […]

084 Tinospora crispa – Heart-Leaved Moonseed (บอระเพ็ด / Boraphet)

บอระเพ็ด (Boraphet) / Heart-Leaved Moonseed Family: Menispermaceae Tinospora crispa, known in Thailand as บอระเพ็ด (Boraphet), is a climbing vine famous for its extreme bitterness and potent detoxifying effects. It has been a cornerstone of Thai herbal medicine for centuries and is regarded as a rejuvenating tonic and fever remedy. Botanical Characteristics This perennial vine features […]

083 Syzygium malaccense – Malay Apple (ชมพู่มะลิ / Chomphu Mali)

ชมพู่มะลิ (Chomphu Mali) / Malay Apple / Rose Apple Family: Myrtaceae Syzygium malaccense, known in Thailand as ชมพู่มะลิ (Chomphu Mali), is a tropical fruit tree prized for its glossy leaves, fragrant pink flowers, and crisp, refreshing fruit. It is cultivated across Southeast Asia both as a food source and a cooling medicinal plant. Botanical Characteristics […]

082 Gardenia sootepensis – Golden Gardenia (พุดจีบเหลือง)

พุดจีบเหลือง (Phut Jeep Lueang) / Golden Gardenia Family: Rubiaceae Gardenia sootepensis, commonly known as the Golden Gardenia or พุดจีบเหลือง in Thai, is a small evergreen tree admired for its bright yellow flowers and aromatic scent. It is widely used in traditional Thai medicine and is culturally associated with calmness and good fortune. Botanical Characteristics This […]

081 Oroxylum indicum – Indian Trumpet Tree (เพกา / Phega)

เพกา (Phega) / Indian Trumpet Tree Family: Bignoniaceae Oroxylum indicum, known in Thai as เพกา (Phega), is a deciduous tree widely used in Thai traditional medicine. Its young pods and seeds are also eaten as a bitter vegetable, valued for their detoxifying and digestive benefits. Botanical Characteristics This fast-growing tree reaches 10–12 meters in height […]

080 Morinda citrifolia – Noni (Indian Mulberry / ยอ)

ยอ (Yo) / Noni / Indian Mulberry Family: Rubiaceae Morinda citrifolia, known locally as ยอ (Yo), is a tropical evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and a distinctively scented fruit. It has been an essential component of Thai traditional medicine for centuries, valued for its detoxifying, immune-boosting, and digestive-supporting properties. Botanical Characteristics Noni grows between 2–6 […]

079 Ziziphus mauritiana – Indian Jujube (พุทรา / Put-sa)

พุทรา (Put-sa) / Indian Jujube Family: Rhamnaceae Ziziphus mauritiana, known in Thai as พุทรา (Put-sa), is a small, thorny tree cultivated throughout Thailand for its nutritious fruit and medicinal value. The fruit, leaves, and bark have long been used in traditional Thai and Ayurvedic medicine for their restorative and calming effects. Botanical Characteristics The tree […]

078 Melastoma malabathricum – Indian Rhododendron (ช้าพลู / Cha Phlu)

ช้าพลู (Cha Phlu) / Indian Rhododendron Family: Melastomataceae Melastoma malabathricum, known in Thai as ช้าพลู (Cha Phlu), is a small evergreen shrub recognized by its soft, hairy leaves and beautiful purple-pink flowers. It grows naturally in tropical and subtropical regions and is widely used in traditional Thai and Southeast Asian herbal medicine for wound healing […]