Planchonella sp.

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

Several species occur in Papua New Guinea. A large tree up to 30 m high with white milky sap. The fruit is round about 4 cm across and borne in clusters on the branches. The fruit is green when young and black when ripe. Leaves are large. The fruit has a large seed inside.

There are about 100 Planchonella species. They are mostly in Asia and the Pacific.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Fruiting is seasonal. (Fruiting in Aug '82). Fruit falls and is collected from the ground.

Countries/locations it is found in

Pacific, Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The outside flesh around the large seed is eaten raw.

A planted fruit tree at least at Kawito near Balimo in Western Province of Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

See Pichonia, Pouteria