Gurrumu
Polyaulax cylindrocarpa
Family: Annonaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 4-8 m high. It spreads 3-5 m wide. The trunk can be 30 cm across. The crown is open but bushy. The young growth has brown hairs. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. They are oval. The leaves are thin and papery. They are yellowish-green and shiny above. They are dull underneath. They taper to the tip. The flowers are 2-3 cm across. They are green or yellow. They have a scent. They occur singly in the axils of leaves. The fruit are in clusters or 2-6. They are 1.5-3 cm long by 0.8-1 cm wide. They are like cylinders. The fruit turn orange or red when ripe. They are soft and succulent. The fruit is edible.
There is only one or possibly 2 Polyaulax species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows naturally in monsoon forests. It can be on rocky sites. It needs a sunny location and a well drained soil. It grows up to 300 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten. The fruit have the taste and texture of custard.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed. It may also be able to be grown from cuttings of firm young growth.
Its other names
Local names
Pohon gurumu