Phak wan pa (melientha) Melientha suavis
Phak wan pa (melientha) (Melientha suavis) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Opiliaceae family, native to Thailand and Indochina to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and the Philippines. It grows 4–12 m (13–39 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Phak wan pa (melientha) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Opiliaceae |
| Mature height | 4–12 m (13–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: young shoots, leaves and flower clusters (cooked; stir-fries, soups) |
| Native to | Thailand and Indochina to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and the Philippines |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Phak wan pa (melientha) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: look-alike plants
The plant itself is a prized vegetable, but Urobotrya siamensis, a poisonous relative in the same family, looks the same without flowers or fruit and grows in the same forests: a 2005 outbreak in Cambodia blamed on the confusion killed 15 people. Only eat shoots from a known, cultivated tree.
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 Phak wan pa (melientha)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Phak wan pa (melientha)
- How far apart should I plant Phak wan pa (melientha)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Phak wan pa (melientha) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Phak wan pa (melientha) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Phak wan pa (melientha)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Phak wan pa (melientha) flower?
- From about February for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Phak wan pa (melientha) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people severely toxic. The plant itself is a prized vegetable, but Urobotrya siamensis, a poisonous relative in the same family, looks the same without flowers or fruit and grows in the same forests: a 2005 outbreak in Cambodia blamed on the confusion killed 15 people. Only eat shoots from a known, cultivated tree.
- What grows well with Phak wan pa (melientha)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Phak wan pa (melientha). 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.
- Phak wan ("sweet vegetable") shoots appear at the end of the dry season and are sold in north-east Thai markets; it is now grown in home gardens and plantations under partial shade.
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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