Dillenia reifferscheidtia
Family: Dilleniaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It grows 11 m tall. The trunk can be 60 cm across. The leaves are alternate, smooth and very large. They are narrowly oval and 15-40 cm long by 10-30 cm wide. The leaf stalks have wings. The flowers are very large, white and showy. They can occur singly or as 2-3 together. The flowers are 7.5 cm across. The fruit are green and fleshy. It is like a flattened berry and 3.5 cm long by 6 cm wide. There are 5 seed in a section. The edible portion is green, juicy and acidic. The seeds are black.
There are about 60 Dillenia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They occur mostly at medium altitudes in the Philippines and are very common from central Luzon to southern Mindanao. It grows up to 200 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Pacific, Philippines (country/location of origin), SE Asia
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw and used for jam or sauce.
The fruit are eaten for the refreshing acid juice.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. It can also be grown from cuttings of mature branches.
Its other names
Local names
Balali, Katmon-kalabau, Palali