Baccaurea microcarpa
(Airy Shaw) Haegens
President and Fellows of Harvard College
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit probably edible
Although we have no specific record of edibility for this species, the fruits of all members of this genus are said to be edible, with a flavour that can be acid to sweet. The globose fruit is about 10mm in diameter.
Where to Find It
It is a tropical plant. It occurs at about 200 m above sea level.
Asia, Indonesia, Papua, SE Asia,
How to Identify
A tree. It grows 10 m tall. It has a dense crown. The trunk is 25-30 cm across. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers and fruit are produced on the trunk. The fruit are round and 1 cm across.
How to Grow
Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds germinate in a few days.
Propagation: Seed - when sown fresh it usually germinates in a few days.
Medicinal Uses
We have no specific information on this species, but the bark of several members of this genus is used to relieve eye inflammation.
Other Uses
We have no specific information for this species, but the bark of several members of this genus is used, along with other ingredients, as a dyestuff to colour silk yellow, red or mauve, using the dyeing process known as 'pekan' in Malay. Although we have no specific information for this species, most members of this genus produce an excellent timber, which can be used to build houses and boats and to make furniture. In common with other trees that produce their flowers and fruits on the trunk of the tree, members of this genus are generally considered to be good support trees for the climbing rattan palms, which are grown to provide material for basket making, weaving into furniture, making ropes etc.
