Almondette Tree
Buchanania cochinchinensis

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It grows 12 m high. The bark is dark grey with deep narrow cracks. It has simple leathery leaves. They are 15-25 cm long by 6-10 cm wide. They are usually clustered at the ends of the twigs. Young leaves are reddish brown and hairy. The flowers are 4-5 mm across and white. They contain both sexes. They are in branched clusters at the ends of twigs. These are 15-30 cm long. The fruit are 9-12 mm long and purple. They are oval or mango shaped. The pear shaped kernels are edible.

There are about 25 Buchanania species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forest. It grows in fairly open areas. It suits a hot tropical monsoonal climate. They grow in seasonally dry forests. They need light. They can stand drought and high temperatures. They grow on the Deccan in India. In Nepal they grow to 1500 m altitude. In Yunnan it grows between 750-900 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit is eaten raw and is sweet. It is used in sweets and yoghurt. The kernel of the seeds is eaten. They are roasted with milk. They are also ground used used to make beancurd. They are used as a substitute for pistachio. The seeds yield an edible oil.

The fruit are sold in markets. They are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, kernel, seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds will still grow after drying or chilling for short periods. Root cuttings can be used.

In India the fruit are available March to June.

Its other names

Local names

Achar, Almondette, Calumpang nut tree, Char, Chara, Chare, Charee, Charkoli, Charoli, Cheronjee, Chiraunji, Chirauli-nut, Chirauli, Chirongi, Chironji, Chivoli, Cuddapah almond, Erpe, Hak phuu, Jarike, Kalompang, Laingchey, Lambo, Lone-hpo, Ma ca, Mamuang maeng wan, Men van, Moongapezhu, Morala, Morri pandu, Munga pera, Nurkal, Pial, Pival, Piyal, Piyar, Piyari, Pyar, Pyaruwa, Rak muu, Rekka, Romchey, Sadeka, Tapasya-priya

Synonyms

Buchanania lanzan Spreng.; Buchanania latifolia Roxb.; Lanzana solitaria Stokes; Lundia mangiferoides Puerari ex DC.; Mangifera axillaris Desr.; Mangifera silvestris Roxb.; Spondias elliptica Rottb. ex Hook.f.;