Malayan ambarella tree
Spondias malayana

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 10-15 m tall. It can be 40 m tall. The trunk is straight and smooth but with deep cracks along it. It is 30-35 cm across. Trunks can be 150 cm across. It does not have buttresses. The leaves are arranged in spirals and grouped together. They are 15-35 cm long with 5-6 or more leaflets. The leaflets are papery. The leaflets are almost opposite and oblong. They are 2.5-5 cm long by 5-13 cm wide. They are unequal on each side and taper to a short tip. The flowers are in a stiff panicle in the axils of leaves. This is 24 cm long. The fruit is broadly oval and 3-5 cm long by 2.5-3.5 cm wide. It is orange-yellow with a juicy pulp. There are 1-2 seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in places with a distinct dry season. It is often on poor infertile soils in dry forest. It grows up to 700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The fruit are edible but often have an astringent, acid and turpentine flavour. The leaves and flowers can be used for acid flavouring of food.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can be grown from branch cuttings.

The fruit occur in the dry season.

Its other names

Local names

Amra, Kadongdong, Kloncing, Libas, Liwas, Mkak prei, Pohon kedongdong kloncin, Pohon kedongdong malayana, Puen si phlae, Puen si: phlae

Synonyms

Poutartia pinnata Blanco; Spondias pinnata (auct. non L.f.Kurz.); Spondias wirtgenii Hasskarl;