Gardenia gummifera

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It loses is leaves during the year. It has yellow buds that secrete resin. The leaves are 8 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. They do not have leaf stalks. They are oval. The flowers are at the top. They are large and occur as 1-3 together. The fruit is an oblong berry up to 4 cm long. It has a husk at the top.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India

How it is used for food

The fleshy pulp of the ripe fruit is eaten. It is sweet. The outer coat is removed. The seeds are roasted with salt and eaten. Caution.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In southern India plants fruit in April to June.

Its other names

Local names

Bhurana koli, Bhurudukuli, Bukke hannu, Bukki gida, Chimit pandlu, Karadivetchi

Synonyms

Gardenia arborea Roxb.; Gardenia inermis F. Dietr.; Genipa arborea (Roxb.) Baill.; Genipa gummifera (L.f.) Baill.;