Lipote, Curran lipote
Syzygium curranii

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows up to 10 m tall and spreads 4 m across. The stem is erect with spreading branches. The young branches are angularly winged. The leaves are smooth, opposite and heart shaped at the base while sharply pointed at the tip. They are dark green and shiny. The flowers are white or pink and borne on very swollen structures along the stem. The fruit are nearly round and whitish but can become red on maturity. The fruit is edible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Found in Mt Isarog and Laguna in the Philippines. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. They cannot tolerate water-logging. It does best with a sheltered and partly shady position. Trees are damaged by frost when young.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The fleshy portion of the fruit is eaten raw. They are also used for jelly and drinks.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is grown from fresh seed. Because fruit quality varies it is best to grow plants by vegetative means. Budding and grafting can be used.

Growth tends to be slow and fruiting irregular.

Its other names

Local names

Igot

Synonyms

Eugenia curranii C.B. Robinson;