Palai tree
Manilkara kauki

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 2-10 m tall and spreads 5-12 m wide. The young growth has silver or rusty hairs. The leaves are 8-15 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped. They are dark green and shiny above and silvery or rusty underneath. They are thick and leathery. The flowers are white and 1.4 cm across. They have a scent. They grow in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are 2.5-4 cm long by 0.6-0.8 cm wide. They are rounded and orange to red. The seeds are 1.5-2.5 cm long and brown. The fruit are edible.

There are about 75 Manilkara species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It suits the tropical lowlands. It grows in coastal areas, often close to the sea. It often grows on rocky headlands. It can tolerate salt laden winds. It needs very good drainage and a sunny position. It can tolerate a range of soils. It can tolerate light frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Torres Strait, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They can be used for making syrup.

It is an important fruit amongst Torres Strait islanders in Australia.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bilat-bilat, Caqui, Imut saeda, Khayay-yaing, Lamud, Lamut sida, Lamut thai, Pekola, Pohon sawo kecik, Sauh, Sawa, Sawah, Sawai, Saweo kechil, Sawo kecik, Sawo kicik, Ubar, Viet, Wongai, Wongi

Synonyms

Achras mammosa Sieber ex A. DC. [Invalid]; Achras octodecemfida Stokes; Mimusops browniana (A. DC.) Benth.; Mimusops hookeri A. DC.; Mimusops kauki L.; Mimusops manilkara G. Don;