Scleropyrum aurantiacum

Family: Santalaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree up to 3-6 m high. The bark is light grey. The leaves are mid green above and more pale underneath. The fruit is red when mature. The seed inside the fruit is about 3-4 cm across. It has a thin shell.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs between 600 to 2,000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Pacific, Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The kernel of the nut is cooked and eaten. The young leaves are boiled and eaten.

A minor wild edible food in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Fruiting is seasonal. In Papua New Guinea it fruits July to August.

Its other names

Local names

Afok, Mameagam

Synonyms

Scleromelum aurantiacum Schumann & Lauterb.;