Mahkota Dewa - one of our heritage plants

I have a keen interest in natural alternative therapies hence my deep interest of the various herbal plants and trees that is part of our heritage.  The Mahkota Dewa or God's Crown (scientific name:
Phaleria macrocarpa) is indigenous to Malaysia and Indonesia.  It can be grown in containers as well as in the ground.  I planted my from seed and it took 1 1/2 years before it started to flower and fruit.  I have two of these trees, both sprouted from seeds, but the one that is planted in a container in the greenhouse is doing much better.  I guess it is because it receives more care than the one planted outdoors.

It takes between 10-14 days for the seed to germinate.  The soil used is a mixture of 3:1 ratio of soil and organic matter.  It requires minimal fertilisation - I fertilise it quarterly with an organic fertiliser mixture that also contains calcium and magnesium along with potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous.  It is an evergreen tree and can grow up to 18m tall.  It can grow in full sun to partial sun areas.  The tree in the container is about 1m tall and is already flowering and fruiting.  I use an 18" high polybag with a 12" diameter.  The tree produces dainty white flower clusters which when pollinated, produces bright red fruits when ripen.

In traditional Malay therapy, it is used to treat diabetes, cancer of the lungs,

hepatitis, lower cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure and several others.  The fruit has therapeutic properties such as:

• antioxidant, 
• anti-tumor, 
• antiviral, 
• antibacterial, 
• anti-hyperglycaemia and 
• anti-diarrhoea.  

The main part that is used is the ripe red fruit. as well as the mature leaves.    The fruit can sliced and dried for storage for later use.  The leaves can also be dried for storage for later use.

Amongst the side effects of the fruit is headaches and can be poisonous if it is over-consumed.  It is also not recommended for pregnant ladies.  The normal method of consumption is by drinking the liquid resulting from boiling 3-5 fruits in 1 later of water and until it has reduced to 650ml or reduced by 2/3.  It is then consumed 1/3 at a time.  As with any herbal therapy, it is best to consult a herbalist first before consuming this.