Lovi-lovi, Thornless rukam
Flacourtia inermis
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
It is a small tree. It grows up to 5-15 m high. It is without spines on the trunk. The trunk is often crooked. Leaves are 10-20 cm long and 5-9 cm wide. New leaves are deep red. Flowers have both sexes. The fruit is round, green when young and dark red when ripe. It is about 2-3 cm across. It has 5 seeds inside.
There are about 17 Flacourtia species. Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It suits the hot humid tropical lowlands. Trees occur in New Britain in Papua New Guinea and some other coastal areas. They grow from sea level up to about 1300 m. They can grown on a variety of soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Bougainville, China, Cuba, East Africa, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Martinique, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, West Indies
How it is used for food
Many kinds have sour fruit so they are often cooked or used for jam, jellies, syrups and preserves. The seeds are removed.
Trees occur occasionally in coastal areas of Papua New Guinea.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Trees are mostly grown from seed. It is better to grow them by air layering or budding. Seedlings take up to 18 months to be ready to plant out. A spacing of 12-16 m apart is needed. Seeds are small.
Trees last for about 20 years. Fruit is mostly ready about May to July in the Southern hemisphere. Fruit matures in 60 days. A well maintained tree can yield 250 kg of fruit.
Its other names
Local names
Koorkup, Loai, Lobeh-lobeh, Lobi-lobi, Looy-looy, Lubi-lubi, Martinique plum, Rukam masam, Saradan kayu, Tomi-tomi