Benstonea atrocarpa

(Griff.) Calim. & Buerki

Pandanaceae Edible: Leaves - flavouring 35 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Benstonea atrocarpa is a species of plant in the family Pandanaceae, native to the swamp and peat forests of Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sumatra.

Description

A tropical pandanus tree growing in lowland swamp forests. The young leaves are used as a food flavoring.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

Although no specific records have yet been seen for this species, most members of this genus have more or less edible fruits, seeds and inner leaf bases. The cylindrical fruit is a syncarp made up of a number of individual drupes. Individual drupes are hard, woody wedges - each containing a few, slender seeds. Each wedge has a fleshy base imbued with a sweet-smelling, orange pulp that in many species has a delicious flavour. This pulp needs to be cooked in order to destroy a deleterious substance. The seed often has a delicious nutty flavour when eaten raw or cooked, though it is fiddly to extract. Seeds contain 44 - 50% fat and 20 - 34% protein. Inner base of young leaves - raw.

Traditional Uses

The young leaves are used to flavour food.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in lowland swamp forest.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand,

Cultivation

Branches do not have dormant buds and so will not resprout if cut back into the old wood. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruits and seed are required.

Propagation

Seed - best pre-soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing.

Other Uses

The leaves are used on a large scale for making kadjangs (a type of hut), mats, hats etc. They can be used to make the sails of small vessels.

Synonyms

Pandanus atrocarpus Griff.

Also Known As

Mengkuang

References (1)

Ong, H. C., Mojiun, P. F. J., & Milow, P., 2011, Traditional knowledge of edible plants among the Temuan villagers in Kampung Guntor, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 6(8), pp. 1962-1965, 18 April, 2011 (As Pandanus atrocarpus)