Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) Archidendron pauciflorum
Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) (Archidendron pauciflorum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Myanmar and southern Thailand to western Malesia. It grows 15–25 m (49–82 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) in your garden →
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Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (in moderation; boiled or roasted) |
| Native to | Myanmar and southern Thailand to western Malesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds
Seeds contain djenkolic acid: eating many (especially raw, with little water) can cause djenkolism, painful crystals in the urine and acute kidney injury.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jering (dog fruit, luk niang)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Jering (dog fruit, luk niang)
- How far apart should I plant Jering (dog fruit, luk niang)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Jering (dog fruit, luk niang)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) flower?
- From about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Jering (dog fruit, luk niang) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Seeds contain djenkolic acid: eating many (especially raw, with little water) can cause djenkolism, painful crystals in the urine and acute kidney injury.
- What grows well with Jering (dog fruit, luk niang)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Twisted, dark-purple pods hold big round seeds. Syn. Archidendron jiringa, Pithecellobium jiringa.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis