Sterculia lychnophora HanceSterculia beccariana PierreSterculia affinis Mast.Scaphium lychnophorum (Hance) PierreScaphium beccarianum PierreFirmiana lychnophora (Hance) K. Schum.Firmiana affinis Terrac.Clompanus affinis Kuntze Scaphium affine[1] is a tree species in the family Malvaceae, subfamily Sterculioideae (previously placed in the Sterculiaceae and synonyms include Sterculia lychnophora Hance[2]).The species is endemic to mainland Southeast Asia, and no subspecies are recognized in the Catalogue of Life.

As a result, it is a popular non-timber forest product in Laos, where it is the country's second-largest export crop after coffee.

The flesh surrounding the dried seeds swells to eight times its original volume when soaked in water, forming an irregularly shaped, reddish gelatinous mass.

[citation needed] According to Chinese medicine, the use of "Pang Da Hai" can remove heat from the lung, cure sore throats, counteract toxicity, and moisten the bowels.

Typically, in traditional Chinese medicine, malva nut would be part of a larger formula of herbs designed to address a person's condition.