Semecarpus atra

(G. Forst.) Vieillard

AnacardiaceaeSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below

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(c) Joey Santore, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

What to Eat

Edible parts: Kernels, Nuts, Seeds, Seeds - oil

The kernels and seeds are eaten, and seed oil is extracted. The seeds are eaten in New Caledonia.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

A tropical plant. It grows in forests near streams and rivers. It can be close to mangroves.

New Caledonia, Pacific, Vanuatu,

Countries: Australia, Fiji, Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Samoa

How to Identify

A large tree. It can be 20-25 m tall. Male and female flowers are on different trees. The leaves are alternate and simple. The flowers are in groups at the ends of the branches. The flowers are cream coloured. The fruit are fleshy and kidney shaped. They are red when ripe.

Production

Trees flower September to November and fruit November to January.

Other Information

The seeds are eaten in New Caledonia.

Names & Synonyms

Awehlas, Chironji, Oleh, Walahi

Rhus atra G. Forst.

References (6)

Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. ser. 4, 16:71. 1861 "atra"
Barrau, J., 1976, Subsistence Agriculture in Melanesia. Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Bulletin 219 Honolulu Hawaii. Kraus reprint. p 54
Cabalion, P. and Morat, P., 1983, Introduction le vegetation, la flore et aux noms vernaculaires de l'ile de Pentcoste (Vanuatu), In: Journal d'agriculture traditionnelle et de botanique appliquee JATBA Vol. 30, 3-4
Massal, E. and Barrau, J., 1973, Food Plants of the South Sea Islands. SPC Technical Paper No 94. Noumea, New Caledonia. p 32
Menninger, E.A., 1977, Edible Nuts of the World. Horticultural Books. Florida p 55
Walter, A. & Sam C., 2002, Fruits of Oceania. ACIAR Monograph No. 85. Canberra. p 281 (As Semecarpus atra)