Willughbeia edulis

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A woody climber or vine. It has a milky sap. The small branches have ribs. It has long branched tendrils. The leaves are oblong and taper to the tip. The leaves are dark above and reddish-brown underneath. The flowers are yellowish. They have a scent. The fruit is a dark orange colour. It is the size of a lemon and has a soft yellow pulp. There are a few large seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in trees in dense forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten and are acidic but popular. The latex is used as milk.

The fruit are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, latex- drink

How it is grown

In NE Thailand fruit are ripe March to April.

Its other names

Local names

Aguh, Akar getah gerip, Akar jitan, Arkurbal, Bel tota, Bel-tata, Buah padang, Cay guoi, Gedra-phol, Hrenchi, Jitan, Keng-et, Kenjet, Koy, Kubal madu, Kuy, Laleng-tenga, Lalong, Laong-doukha, Lata aam, Lathi am, Lati aam, Luti-am, Pabhoi tenga, Tabu, Talaing-no, Thitkyauk-nwe, Vuak-duo, Zhuthi

Synonyms

Ancylocladus edulis (Roxb.) Kuntze; Willughbeia cochinchinensis (Pierre ex Pit.) K. Schum.; Willughbeia dulcis Ridl.; and others