Baccaurea sarawakensis

Pax & K. Hoffm.

Phyllanthaceae Edible: Fruit possibly edible

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 can grow between 3-18 m tall. The trunk is 4-21 cm across. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. The flowers and fruit are produced on the trunk. The fruit are about 3 cm across.

Edible Uses

Although we have no specific record of edibility for this species, the fruits of all members of this genus are said to be edible, with a flavour that can be acid to sweet. The subglobose fruits can be up to 30mm in diameter.

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 rain forest. It occurs between sea level to 800 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Plants grow wild on loamy soils. The plant can flower and fruit through most of the year. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

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.