"Maplub" is the symbolic tree of Anthong

Botanical Name

Diospyros Areolata King & Gamble

Family

Ebenaceae

Local Name

Maplub, Magalubtong, Magubtong

Characteristic

Maplub is the midium perennial plant. The heightest is around 15 meters (50 feet). It is not a strength plant like others, peel color in brown-green and smooth. The leaf is thick and smooth, size around 4-7 cm. width 7-10 cm. length (1.5-3 inches x 3-4 inches). 

There are staminate (male flower) and carpel (female flower) budded in separate tree (no in the same tree). The staminates (male flowers) full with trichome (hair) budding in cluster . The carpels (female flowers) is budded in single.

Fruit is round shape in red-brown color.

Growing

In the tropical rain forest and wetland 2-30 meters (6-100 feet) above sea level especially in southern of Thaiand. Plant by seeding.

Medical Properties

Help for orexigenic (have a good appetite) By using peel or wood boiling in water for drinking. A very interesting is that this kind of tree can reduce "sexual impotence".  Burning the peel or wood until crispy, slice into small pieces and infuse.

Other Usfulness

Gum can be used to strengthen fishnet with high quality. So, the Maplub's gum price is quite high in market.

Culture Belief

Maplub is one of auspicious tree for Thai. The one who plant in the south of land or home will meet wealthy life.