Calobo, Balubo, Balobo, Barobo
Diplodiscus paniculatus
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A medium sized tree. It grows 20 m high. The trunk can be 80 cm across. It is an irregular shape and has buttresses at the base. The leaves are alternate. They are smooth and pointed at both ends. The flowers are small and whitish or yellow. They are borne in large compound flower arrangements. The fruit is an almost round capsule. It is 2 cm across. There are ridges along it. The fruit are yellowish when ripe. The seeds are rich in starch.
The family may be Tiliaceae. Also put in the family Brownlowiaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They are very common and widely distributed in the Philippines in the forests from northern Luzon to southern Mindanao at low and medium altitudes.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Pacific, Philippines (country/location of origin), SE Asia
How it is used for food
The seed kernels are boiled or roasted and eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Baroba