Appearance
This species is a deciduous shrub or tree usually growing 10–20 m tall, but known to reach 35 m at times.The leaves are variable in shape, even on one individual. The blades may be lobed or unlobed, but they usually have toothed edges, lightly hairy, pale undersides, and a rough texture. They are up to about 15–20 cm long.
The species has male and female flowers on separate plants. The staminate inflorescence is a catkin up to 8 cm long with fuzzy male flowers. The pistillate inflorescence is a spherical head up to about 2 cm wide with greenish female flowers trailing long styles. The infructescence is a spherical cluster 2–3 cm wide containing many red or orange fruits. Each individual protruding fruit in the cluster is a drupe.
Uses
This plant has been cultivated in Asia and some Pacific Islands for many centuries for food, fiber, and medicine.The wood of the plant is useful for making furniture and utensils, and the roots can be used as rope. The fruit and cooked leaves are edible.The fruit, leaves, and bark have been used in systems of traditional medicine. For example, the bark and fruit of the species, known locally as ''jangli toot'', are used as a laxative and antipyretic in rural Pakistan.
The species is used as an ornamental plant. It tolerates disturbance and air pollution, so it has been useful as a landscaping plant on roadsides. It is a pioneer species that easily fills forest clearings, and it has been considered for reforestation efforts. It grows well in many climate types.
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