An unarmed evergreen tree, up to 12 m tall. Young shoots and inflorescence pubescent. Anthocarp clavate, 5-Tibbed, the angles with only 1 row of prickles.

Fl. Per. Feb.-March.

Distribution: The Malay Islands and the coastal forests of the Andamans. Cultivars (Pisonia alba Span.) are found in Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.

The ‘lettuce tree or the Molluccan cabbage tree’ is sometimes grown in gardens. Though uncommon, it is reportedly cultivated at the Gandhi Gardens, Karachi. The older leaves ate lettuce-green and the younger yellowish or white; said to be eaten by natives in Bali.