Semecarpus atra

(G. Forst.) Vieillard

Anacardiaceae Edible: Kernels, Nuts, Seeds, Seeds - oil Potential hazards — see below 53 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A large tree. It can be 20-25 m tall. Male and female flowers are on different trees. The leaves are alternate and simple. The flowers are in groups at the ends of the branches. The flowers are cream coloured. The fruit are fleshy and kidney shaped. They are red when ripe.

Edible Uses

The kernels and seeds are eaten, and seed oil is extracted. The seeds are eaten in New Caledonia.

Traditional Uses

Caution: The tree can cause allergies.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

The tree can cause allergies.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in forests near streams and rivers. It can be close to mangroves.

Where It Grows

New Caledonia, Pacific, Vanuatu,

Production

Trees flower September to November and fruit November to January.

Other Information

The seeds are eaten in New Caledonia.

Synonyms

Rhus atra G. Forst.

Also Known As

Awehlas, Chironji, Oleh, Walahi

References (6)

Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. ser. 4, 16:71. 1861 "atra"
Barrau, J., 1976, Subsistence Agriculture in Melanesia. Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Bulletin 219 Honolulu Hawaii. Kraus reprint. p 54
Cabalion, P. and Morat, P., 1983, Introduction le vegetation, la flore et aux noms vernaculaires de l'ile de Pentcoste (Vanuatu), In: Journal d'agriculture traditionnelle et de botanique appliquee JATBA Vol. 30, 3-4
Massal, E. and Barrau, J., 1973, Food Plants of the South Sea Islands. SPC Technical Paper No 94. Noumea, New Caledonia. p 32
Menninger, E.A., 1977, Edible Nuts of the World. Horticultural Books. Florida p 55

Show all 6 references