Abu, Aibo, Vabilii
Merrillodendrum megacarpum

Family: Icacinaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It often grows 6-15 m high. The trunk is 55 cm across and is fluted. The bark is light grey and shed in soft flakes. The leaves are oblong and the base is wedge shaped. The leaves are thin and leathery. The fruit hang down. They are narrowly oval and 6-20 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. The skin is leathery and can be white, yellow or purple. The seeds is starchy and 4-6 cm long b 2-2.5 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal swampy rainforest. It is usually between 3-30 m altitude. It is often on the edges of mangroves and along streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Mariana Islands, Micronesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aiebo, Faniok, Idalu, Manggaresi, Pake-saukatibu, Sasa su, Semna wen, Vabilii, Varunatun

Synonyms

Mangifera xylocarpa Lauterb.; Merrilliodendron rotense Kaneh.; Peekeliodendron missionariorum Sleum.; Stemonurus megacarpus Hemsl.;