Burmese-grape
Baccaurea ramiflora

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 10-15 m tall. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. The branches have velvety hairs pressed against them. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and taper to a very short tip. The leaves are oval and 10-20 cm long by 4-9 cm wide. The leaf stalks are 1-8 cm long. The leafy growth at the base of the leaves (stipule) is sword shaped and with a fringe on the edge. The flowering stalks occur on the branches and the trunk. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. The male flowering stalks are 3-8 cm long. Female flowering stalks are 14 cm long. Fruit are oval and about 3-4 cm across. The fruit do not have hairs. They ripen to pinkish or bright red.

There are about 80 Baccaurea species. It is high in antioxidant activity. It is rich in Vitamin C.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in dense forest. They suit the humid tropical lowlands. In Yunnan in China it grows between 800-1100 m altitude. It grows in limestone areas. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia (country/location of origin), Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Ripe fruit are eaten raw. The fleshy layer around the seeds is eaten. The rind of the fruit can be used for chutney. They are sour/sweet. They are also used for wine. The young leaves and flowers are eaten.

It is a cultivated food plant. Fruit are sold in markets. The fruit are popular.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed. Seedlings need shade.

In India fruit are available September to November. Trees can yield 21-156 kg per tree.

Its other names

Local names

Bheri aash, Bhubi, Bubi, Bureng, Buri, Dampejuk, Dampiyu, Dau da dat, Dau trai nhon, Dazau mien dzu o'i, Dojuka, Du qua nhon, F'ai, Fai, Giau gia dat, Giau tien, Haichao, Hamkang, Harphata, Heipan, Kabum, Kalaphal, Kanazo, Kataphal, Kauchi, Khattaphal, Khusmai, Khusumai, Kojuka, Kosmai thai, Kusum, Lateku, Latka, Latkan, Latqua, Lerkho, Lerko, Leteku, Letuk, Lot-Kon, Lutco, Lotkua, Ma-fai, Mafai setambun, Mafai, Mafei, Ma phai, Men lai biu, Motok hei, Mu nai guo, Notko, Otumethi, Pangkai thei, Perpel, Phnhiev, Phnhiew, Phnu, Pnheav, Puli, Purpor, Sa-shu-la, Si shuo si, Si suo a si, Sohmyndong, Soh-ram-dieng, Somfai, Tajan molek, Tampoi, Tempui, Theipangkai, Xisu

Synonyms

Baccaurea cauliflora Loureiro; Baccaurea oxycarpa Gagnepain; Baccaurea sapida (Roxb.) Mull. Arg.; Pierardia sapida Roxb., Baccaurea wrayi King ex Hook.f.; Gatnaia annamica Gagnepain; and others