Pumsi
Machilus edulis

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 15-20 m high. The trunk is straight. The branches are spreading. The bark is dark brown in forests and lighter in open spaces. The leaves are sword shaped with a short leaf stalk. Fruit are about 4-5 cm across.

There are about 200 Machilus species. The fruit are nutritious.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Sikkim the trees are mostly above 1,700 m altitude. They are common between 1,600-1,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. The ripe are allowed to become fully ripe or 'cure' for a few days in hot dry conditions. The flesh is scooped out and eaten.

Fruit are commonly sold in markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds germinate in 45-70 days. They cannot be grown from cuttings.

Yields can be 5-75 kg per tree. A fruit weighs about 32 g. The fruit are picked and stored in a warm, dark, non-airy enclosure for curing. This improves the flavour. In Sikkim fruit are available January to March.

Its other names

Local names

Aracado, Guli, Kawla, Lalikaulo, Lapche kaulo, Lapche kawla, Lapche phal, Pamshi, Phamphal, Phum-kung, Phumsey, Pomsee, Pumpsi

Synonyms

Percea fructifera Kosterm.;