Tambor, Kwalo falake
Omphalea queenslandiae

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A large woody vine which climbs high up into trees. It has a red sticky sap when cut. The vine can become 10-15 cm across and grow to 20 m long. Leaves are alternate. Young leaves are deeply five lobed and the base of the leaf can extend down the stem. Leaves are 10-18 cm across and 15-20 cm long. Leaves are dark green and leathery. At the base of the leaf there are conspicuous glands. Flowers are white, greenish or red. The flowers are of one sex with several male flowers clustered around one female flower. A cluster of fruit is borne on a branch up to 5 cm long near the base. Fruit is 6-10 cm across and fleshy with 3-4 lobes. The fruit surface is smooth and yellow when ripe. The seed coat is hard, brown and ridged. The kernel is white.

There are about 20 Omphalea species. Omphalea queenslandiae and Omphalea papuana have now been separated. This description and distribution are probably mixed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs from sea level up to at least 1800 m altitude in hot places near the equator and to 800 m in Queensland. It grows in the rainforest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands

How it is used for food

The kernels are eaten after cooking.

The nut occurs occasionally in forest areas both in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and on the islands. The nut is eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

It is normally self sown. Plants can be grown from seed or from cuttings of firm new growth. Plants require a sunny position in well drained soil. It can not withstand frost.

Fruit production is seasonal. Fruit are ripe February to May. A kernel of a nut weighs about 3 g.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms