title: Xanthophyllum ellipticum
text: # Xanthophyllum ellipticum
  
  Xanthophyllum ellipticum is a plant in the family Polygalaceae. The specific epithet ellipticum is from the Latin meaning "elliptical", referring to the leaves.
  
  ## Description
  
  Xanthophyllum ellipticum grows as a shrub or tree up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 40 centimetres (16 in). The smooth bark is grey or reddish brown. The flowers are white or pale yellow, drying brown or dark orange. The round fruits are initially orange, drying to brown or blackish. They measure up to 2.2 cm (1 in) in diameter.
  
  ## Distribution and habitat
  
  Xanthophyllum ellipticum grows naturally in Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo. Its habitat is lowland forests from sea-level to 650 metres (2,000 ft) altitude.
  
  