Barringtonia edulis

BARRINGTONIA EDULIS

Barringtonia edulis is a species of tree with edible fruits from the southwestern Pacific region, being found on Fiji and Vanuatu. Common names include cut nut, pao nut, boxfruit tree, heart tree, and yum-yum tree.The large, glossy green leaves grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruits are oblong berries with densely matted short hairs, greyish-green, becoming reddish or purplish as they ripen.Barringtonia edulis is endemic to Fiji and Vanuatu. It grows in humid forests near the coast, at altitudes below 400 m (1,300 ft). It also occurs beside roads and footpaths and near habitations, and is cultivated in gardens for its attractive glossy foliage and edible fruits.The fruits can be eaten, raw or cooked, but are said to be insipid. The seeds are also edible, the flavour resembling peanuts.

Barringtonia edulis is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall. The bole can be 30 – 40cm in diameterThe tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. The edible seeds are sold in local markets and are considered to have a significant commercial potential to a wider market. The tree is sometimes cultivated in home gardens and around villages, and is generally allowed to remain and is semi-cultivated when forest is cleared[