Benkara griffithii

Benkara griffithii (Hook.f.) Ridsdale, Reinwardtia 12: 299 (2008) (syn: Fagerlindia griffithii (Hook.f.) Deb & M.Gangop. ; Oxyceros griffithii (Hook.f.) W.C.Chen ; Randia griffithii Hook.f. ; Tarenna borii C.E.C.Fisch. );
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E. Himalaya to S. Central China: Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya as per POWO;
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Common name: Yellow Benkara • Mizo: Dieng-soh-ladung
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Small tree from Manipur: 4 images.
Small tree with yellow flowers observed in Imphal, Manipur. Not clear if it is wild or cultivated. Found flowering in June. Reminds me of Avocado or Persea. Please identify.

It has opposite leaves, interpetiolar stipules, and an inferior ovary. So it belongs to the Rubiaceae family.

A member of Rubiaceae. Could be a species of Canthiumera or something related.

At least we have the family now.

On checking POWO, only Canthiumera siamensis (K.Schum.) K.M.Wong has distribution in the area.

But it looks different as per
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374971916_Synopsis_of_Canthiumera_and_Pyrostria_Rubiaceae_Vanguerieae_in_Thailand

Other closely related genera in India are
https://efloraofindia.com/efi/psydrax/
https://efloraofindia.com/efi/canthium/

But none of the species found in the area seems to match with these images.

It may be Benkara species, the flower resemble Benkara genus

… may be right.

It may be Benkara griffithii as per GBIF specimens from India (one, two, three).

Flora of China links it with Benkara forrestii (J. Anthony) Ridsdale as per details at the bottom.

Pl. check and confirm or otherwise.

I guess you are right … having distribution in this area.

I think it agrees with Benkara griffithii reasonably well – I checked out the description of Randia griffithii at Flora of Assam – all features agree well.

I wanted to visit the lone specimen of the plant in Manipur again, but due to the area being flooded for several days, the shrub has virtually died. If it manages to survive, we can study it more. For now I will go with Benkara griffithii.

References:
POWO Catalogue of Life GBIF specimens from India (one, two, three) Flora of China Flowers of India India Biodiversity Portal Plant illustrations

Updated on July 12, 2025

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