Description

Kemang is a fruit tree of a type of mango with a pungent smell and a sweet-sour taste. This tree is closely related and is often considered the same as binjai. However, some experts suggest separating it into a separate species, Mangifera kemanga.

Kemang is also known by other names such as palong (Kutai language, East Kalimantan), and binjai (Komering).

Kemang is a close relative of binjai (Mangifera caesia) and mango (Mangifera indica), which can be identified by the similarity in shape and structure of the tree, from the leaves to the fruit.

The kemang tree and fruit basically have similar characteristics to binjai, with some differences.

These differences include, the blade of kemang leaves is almost seated (without or very short stem), the edge of the leaf at the base narrows and continues. Kemang flower panicles are longer (up to about 75 cm), looser, and contain fewer flowers. Kemang fruit that ripens brown is a bit dull green, has nodules at the base. Unlike binjai, the young kemang fruit is edible, although it has a very sour taste.

Kemang spreads naturally in Sumatra, Kalimantan and the Malay Peninsula; and widely cultivated in western Java, especially near Bogor. This plant mainly spreads in the lowlands below 400 m, rarely up to 800 m asl. This species tolerates flooding, and is often found growing near river banks.