About Dillenia suffruticosa (Griff.) Martelli
Dillenia suffruticosa, commonly known as simpor, is a large evergreen shrub that grows 6–10 metres (20–33 ft) tall. It has a stout trunk and forms thickets. Its simple leaves are arranged alternately in a pattern similar to cabbage leaves. Each leaf blade measures 12–40 centimetres (4.7–15.7 in) long and 6–12 cm (2.4–4.7 in) wide, growing on a petiole 2–6 centimetres (0.79–2.36 in) long. The undersides of young leaves are fuzzy. This species begins flowering after three to four years of growth. It is native to tropical Southeast Asia, where it occurs at altitudes up to 700 m. It grows in secondary forest, undisturbed forested areas like riversides, swampy ground, and alluvial locations such as swamps, mangroves, and riversides, though it can sometimes also be found on hillsides and ridges. It prefers soil textures ranging from clayey to sandy. Its confirmed range includes Sri Lanka, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the tropical regions of Singapore; it has also been introduced to Hawaii. It has documented uses in medicine and food storage. Medicinally, its leaves and roots are used to treat inflammation, itch, and stomach ache, and to support recovery after childbirth. For food-related uses, its large leaves are used as a plastic bag alternative for wrapping food such as tempeh (fermented soy bean cake), and can be shaped into cones to hold food like rojak. It is also planted as an ornamental plant to attract birds in urban areas.
