Indian olive
Elaeocarpus floribundus

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

What it is like

A tree. It can grow 10-30 m high. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The leaves are alternate and simple. The leaves are oval and often rounded at the base. The leaves turn red before falling. The flowers are small and white. They are about 8 mm across. The fruit is fleshy and light green. It is about 2-5 cm long. Both ends of the fruit are pointed.

There are about 360 Elaeocarpus species mostly in the tropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical Asia. It grows up to 900-1,650 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andaman Islands, Asia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a vegetable. The fruit is eaten as a masticatory. They are eaten raw as well as cooked. The unripe fruit are also used for pickles and chutney.

Fruit are sold in markets. It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, seeds - oil, seeds

How it is grown

In India the fruit are available October to March. In NE India May to December. A tree can yield 30-40 kg of fruit in a year.

Its other names

Local names

Banghkri, Belphoi, Chorphon, Chuziechukru, Com hoa-nhieu, Empedu, Empeduk, Emperdok, Goroshi, Hahauwan, Irat, Japfai, Jalpai, Jalphai, Jalpui, Jolphai schein, Jolpi, Julpai, Kemesu, Kieshi, Kingkurad, Maboh, Mai-ma-mon-pan, Medang teja, Medang telur, Perdu, Renkinang, Rugged oil fruit, Sein-sar-blue-pan, Shikesi, Shikishi, Sungamerem, Tempawat, Theng koreng, Thitpwe, Thitya-hmwe, Zonmot

Synonyms

Elaeocarpus floribundus var. tahanensis (Hend.) Ng; Elaeocarpus grossus Wall. [Invalid]; Elaeocarpus lobbianus Turcz.; Elaeocarpus pseudosepicanus O. C. Schmidt; Elaeocarpus tahanensis M. R. Hend.;