Petai hutan, Forest sataw tree
Parkia timoriana

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows up to 50 m high and can be 2.5 m across the trunk. There are often buttresses. The bark is smooth and can be finely cracked. The leaves are compound. The first leaf stalk and axis is 18-42 cm long. There is a gland on the leaf stalk 1.5-4 cm from the base. There are 14-32 pairs of branches of the leaf and 52-72 pairs of leaflets. They are slightly S shaped and 6-11 mm long by 1-2 mm wide. The edges of the leaflets overlap. There are stiff white hairs around the edges of the leaflets. The flower stalks have a compound flower cluster. The fruit are pods which are flat and strap shaped. The pods are 20-33 cm long by 3.9-5.5 cm wide. There are 12-19 seeds per pod. They lie horizontally across the pod. They are 1.4-2 cm long. The seed coat is hard and dark brown.

Various parts are used in medicine. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in lowland rainforest and dry evergreen forest. They occur from sea level to 600 m altitude but occasionally up to 1,300 m.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The seeds are bitter but may be eaten after roasting or boiling. The ripe fruit are eaten. The fruit are also used for chutney. The germinated seeds are eaten. The young tender pods are cooked and eaten, especially with fish. The leaves are boiled and eaten.

The pods are popular.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, spice, pods, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

In Nagaland pods are available June to November.

Its other names

Local names

Alai, Amarang, Bairithai, Batai hutan, Dhemka, Gacher shim, Kedawung, Kerayong, Kharial, Kupang, Manipuri urahi, Nkampi, Petai kerayong, Peundung, Pohon petai hutan, Riang, Sa riang, Themuke, Thenuk, Waikra, Yangchak, Yonchak, Yongchak, Zawng-tah-lay, Zongta

Synonyms

Acacia niopo Llanos; Inga timoriana DC.; Mimosa peregrina Blanco; Parkia africana auct. non R. Br.; Parkia calcarata Gagnep. ex Lecomte; Parkia grandis Hassk.; Parkia roxburghii G. Don.;