Elaeocarpus tectorius

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 20 m tall. The leaves are oval to oblong. They are 10-24 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. The base is rounded or wedge shaped and they taper to the tip. There are small teeth along the edge. The flowers are in groups 6-16 cm long with 10-25 flowers. The petals are white. The fruit is fleshy. It is 2-3 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. The stone can have 1-5 cells.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In the Himalayas it grows between 200-500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit, kernel

How it is grown

In the Himalayas it fruits in April to June.

Its other names

Local names

Bikki, Chanchan, Duoc nui, Jolpai, Kotla, Matcat, Tekopai olive, Um-khal

Synonyms

Craspedum tectorium Lour.; Elaeocarpus dongnaiensis Pierre; Elaeocarpus robustus Roxb.; and others