Sen hai nam
Madhuca hainanensis
Family: Sapotaceae
What it is like
A large evergreen tree. It grows 30 m high. The trunk is 70-80 cm across. The leaves are in loose clusters at the ends of branches. They are oblong and 6-12 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. The berry is 3 cm high and greenish yellow when ripe. The seeds are elliptical and flat.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical evergreen broad-leaved forests between 1,000 and 1,200 m altitude. It can tolerate shade when young but needs light when mature.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Indochina, SE Asia, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The seeds contain about 50-55% oil which can be eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds-oil
How it is grown
In Hainan in southern China plants flower in June to September and fruit September to December.