Empit

Among the locally known medicinal plants are the tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) whose roots are used for treating high-blood pressure and stomach ache; the bark of the langsat (Lansum domesticum) is used for malaria-fever and stomach ache; the leaves of the mambong (Blumea balsamifera) is used after child-birth to cope with pain; the bark of the engkala (Litsea garciae) for skin burns; the bark of the empit (Pentaspadon montleyi) and leaves of the rugan (Cassia alata) is used for ringworm and itchy skin; the fruit of the kemunting (Melastoma spp.) is used for infections in mouth and on gums; the leaves of the tipang ular (Pedilanthus tithymaloides) is for treating snake bites and the leaves of the entemu (Cratoxylum formosum) is used for general body aches (JP Report 3, FOMISS 1996).

The identification of such properties in the trees or plants could lead to their subsequent cultivation which would benefit the local communities.Buah empit is well matched with daun sabong in a stir fry with some ikan bilis.

It can also be deep fried like peanuts to make a tasty snack.