Baccaurea mollis

Haegens

Phyllanthaceae Edible: Fruit

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

Description

A tree. It grows 9-16 m tall. It has a dense crown. The trunk is 14-19 cm across. It can have low buttresses. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers and fruit grow on the trunk. Fruit are round and about 4 cm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit are eaten raw and are sweet.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw. They are sweet.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

We have no specific information on this species, but the bark of several members of this genus is used to relieve eye inflammation.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in rainforest. It occurs between 60-550 m above sea level. It can be up to 1,800 m.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate in a few days.

Propagation

Seed - when sown fresh it usually germinates in a few days.

Other Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the bark of several members of this genus is used, along with other ingredients, as a dyestuff to colour silk yellow, red or mauve, using the dyeing process known as 'pekan' in Malay. Although we have no specific information for this species, most members of this genus produce an excellent timber, which can be used to build houses and boats and to make furniture. In common with other trees that produce their flowers and fruits on the trunk of the tree, members of this genus are generally considered to be good support trees for the climbing rattan palms, which are grown to provide material for basket making, weaving into furniture, making ropes etc.