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Maesa ambrymensis

Family: Primulaceae


What it is like

A small tree. It grows 4-6 m tall. The leaves are simple and dark green. They are rounded and 7-19 cm long by 5-11 cm wide. There are 5-10 pairs of veins. The leaf stalk is 1-5 cm long. The flowers are in a group in the axils of leaves. The flowers are small and 2 mm across with 5 white petals. There are many fruit. They are white and fleshy when mature. They are 3 mm across.

There are about 100 Maesa species. There is only one genus is the family Maesaceae. They are also put in the family Myrsinaceae. They grow in the tropics and subtropics. They are also put in the family Maesaceae.


Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Vanuatu it grows up to 800 m altitude. It grows in secondary forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Pacific, Vanuatu


How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit


How it is grown


Its other names

Local names

Bwatidumui, Lingagao, Matepass

Synonyms