Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) Gnetum gnemon
Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) (Gnetum gnemon) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Gnetaceae family, native to Assam and Indochina to Malesia and the western Pacific. It grows 5–15 m (16–49 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 7 °C (45 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Gnetaceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 m (16–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 7 °C (45 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–365 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (cooked; emping crackers), young leaves (cooked), young strobili and seed coats |
| Native to | Assam and Indochina to Malesia and the western Pacific |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; emping is high in purines (gout).
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 Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang)
- How far apart should I plant Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang)?
- It tolerates about 7 °C (45 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) flower?
- About 261–365 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; emping is high in purines (gout).
- What grows well with Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Melinjo (gnetum, phak miang). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
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.
- A gymnosperm with flowering-plant-like leaves; a slim, upright tree. Separate male and female trees. The seeds are flattened and fried into Indonesian emping; southern Thais eat the leaves (phak miang).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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