Desert Walnut, Broad-leaved Emu Apple
Owenia reticulata
Family: Meliaceae
What it is like
A tall shrub or small tree. It grows 4-10 m high and spreads 3-8 m wide. Young growth is sticky and yellow. The bark is rough and dark grey. The small branches are covered with a sticky yellow covering. The leaves are 30 cm long. They are divided into leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are 6-20 cm long by 3.5-10 cm wide. There are 1-6 pairs of leaflets. They are mid green and with a network of veins. The flowers are 0.5 cm across and white. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. They occur in loose clusters. The fruit are 2-4 cm across. They can be pear shaped or round and red or purple.
There are about 6 Owenia species. They grow in Australia.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions. It grows in seasonally dry tropical regions. It needs good drainage and a sunny location. Plants are hardy to frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Kenya
How it is used for food
The nuts or kernels are eaten. They are roasted. The tree yields a saplike liquid.
Edible parts
Seeds, fruit, gum
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed may be difficult to germinate.
The nuts are hard to extract from the shell.