Ramy
Canarium madagascariense

Family: Burseraceae

What it is like

A large tree. It has a straight trunk. It grows 12-35 m tall. The trunk can be 2 m across. It often has buttresses. The bark is rough and grey. The leaves are 50 cm long and have an odd number of leaflets. There are 9-11 leaflets. The leaf stalk is 5 cm long. The leaflets are 15 cm long by 4 cm wide. They are oblong to heart shaped. They taper to the tip. They are hairy underneath. The flowers are white and in groups. The fruit are oval and 4 cm long. They are purple. The hard shell of the seed is often 3 sided.

It is becoming a rare species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the lower mountain forest. It is often on sandy soils in shallow river valleys. It grows between 5-300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Madagascar (country/location of origin), Mozambique, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, seed

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Fresh seed should be used, as seeds do not store well.

Its other names

Local names

Aramy be ravina, Mbani, Mpafu

Synonyms

Canarium boivinii Engl.; Canarium greveanum Engl.; Canarium harami Bojer.; Canarium liebertianum Engl.; Canarium multiflorum Engl.;