Baccaurea papuana

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A small tree up to 12 m tall but often only 3-4 m high. The leaves are rather rough and clustered at the ends of the small branches. The leaves are 10 to 18 cm long and 6 to 8 cm wide. The edges of the leaves are wavy and the leaf is tapered towards the base. Flowers form long yellow stalks. These female flower stalks are 15-20 cm long. They have a sweet smell. The fruit hang on a chain (raceme) from the branches and main trunk. The fruit are 4-5 cm across and turn yellow when ripe. Male and female trees occur. The flower gives off a strong smell. The fruit have several seeds inside.

There are about 80 Baccaurea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They occur in several lowland areas from sea level up to 1600 m altitude. They are mainly eaten in Gulf and Milne Bay Provinces of Papua New Guinea. It can grow in sago swamps.

Countries/locations it is found in

Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten.

An indigenous tree in Papua New Guinea, valued in some areas and at least worth evaluation.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

They are both cultivated and grow wild from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Mapiok, Matrugam, Motroka, Yanak

Synonyms

Baccaurea montana Pax & K. Hoffm.; Baccaurea plurilocularis J. J. Sm.;