Donax canniformis (G.Forst.) K.Schum.

Bamban (Donax canniformis) is a clump-forming herb 1.5-4 meters tall of the Marantaceae family, distributed from India through Southeast Asia to Taiwan and Polynesia, generally thriving in swampy regions. Its tough stem bark serves as raw material for handicraft weaving among local communities. In addition, this plant is traditionally used to relieve swelling, boils, and snakebites.

Bamban is often found growing wild along waterways or in wet areas, as well as in bamboo forests. Grows well up to an elevation of 1,000 m above sea level. Favors open areas exposed to direct sunlight.

• Roots fibrous, with a bright brown rhizome.
• Stem cylindrical, dark green, with long internodes.
• Leaves simple and stalked, with broad ovate to oblong blades.
• Flowers in inflorescences that are often branched at the base, up to 20 cm long. Sepals white, ovate-triangular, hairless, white to pale cream, dry and non-dehiscent.
• Seeds brown, 1-2 per fruit.

Propagated generatively with offshoots and seed (seeds are sown first) and vegetatively with stem cuttings.

Saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, polyphenols, tannins, phytosterols, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids.

Treats diabetes, boils, eye ailments; reduces swelling; heals snakebites; has antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

• Take fresh roots and clean under running water.
• Drain and dry under direct sunlight or in an oven at 40 °C until the moisture content is below 10%.
• Once dry, store in clean, airtight plastic.

Mbamban (Madura), Bomban, Banban (Batak), Bangban (Sunda), Wuwu (Java), Kelangisan (Bali), Burung, Borong (South Sulawesi), Mundung, Wuwudu (Gorontalo), Moa (Manado, Ternate, Ambon), Biawa, Biara (Halmahera).