Bead tree
Elaeocarpus sphaericus

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 15-25 m tall and spreads 4 m wide. The trunk is erect and stout. The bark is brown or grey and thin. The leaves are narrowly oval. They are 8-17 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. The flowers are white and occur in clusters that hang down. These are 4-10 cm long. The fruit are rounded berries. They are 2-3 cm across. They are blue green with a bright green pulp. There is a pitted stone with 2-5 seeds.

Probably Elaeocarpus serratus L.;

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand

How it is used for food

The young immature fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bhagwan tasse, Rudraksha, Sunganerem

Synonyms

Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum.; and others