Bush mango tree
Irvingia malayana
Family: Irvingiaceae
What it is like
A large tree 15-30 m tall. The trunk is 40-60 cm across. The trunk is usually angular at the base. The bark is smooth and can peel off in large pieces. The leaves are simple and oval. They are smooth and shiny on the upper surface and covered with very short hairs underneath. Leaves are 8-20 cm long by 2.5-9 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 9-14 mm long. The flower panicle is in the axils of leaves. It is 5-15 cm long. The flowers are about 2.5 mm long. The petals are white and it has a smell. The fruit is fleshy with a stone inside. The fruit is oval and 3-6 cm long by 4 cm wide. It has one seed. The fruit is yellow when mature.
The fat from the fruit and seeds is used for soap and candles. It is also put in the family Simaroubaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical evergreen or semi-deciduous forests. It is a light demanding tree but only grows in shade when young. It has drought tolerance. It grows up to 250-600 m altitude. It can be on sandy and clay soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The kernel of the seed is eaten roasted. The ripe fruit is sweet and edible.
Seeds are an important food.
Edible parts
Seeds, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds. It can be cut back and re-grow.
Its other names
Local names
Asem pau, Bak bok, Batu, Bok, Bongin, Cay, Cham bak, Chombork, Euselu, Kabok, Kalek karsik, Kayu batu, Kayu tulang, Kayu tulung, Kebayang, Kerangi, Komia, Konia, Krabok, Maak bok, Mai bok, Ma-mien, Melenna gunung, Mengkudu, Merelang, Patok entilit, Pau bayan, Pau kijang, Pau rusu, Pauh kijang, Perseh, Pohon kayu batu, Pohon mangga utan, Selangan tandok, Tenghilan, Tengilan
Synonyms
Irvingella harmandiana Pierre; Irvingella malayana (Oliv. ex A. W. Benth.) van Tiegh; Irvingella oliveri (Pierre) van Tiegh; Irvingia longipedicellata Gagnep.; [Invalid] Irvingia oliveri Pierre;