Chinese laurel, Bignay, Currant Tree, Buni

Where does Chinese laurel grow?

Found in: Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South America, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet, United States, Vietnam

Notes: There are about 100-170 Antidesma species.

Status: It is a cultivated food plant. The fruit are sold in markets. This in only a minor edible fruit of lowland tropical areas. It is important in Indonesia and occasional in Papua New Guinea. The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Growing Chinese laurel, Bignay, Currant Tree, Buni

Cultivation: It grows from seeds. These can be planted, but trees also grow naturally from seed. Trees can be produced by budding, grafting or from cuttings. Aerial layering can also be used. Spacing should be about 12 to 14 metres between trees. Some male trees need to be present for cross pollination. When female trees produce fruit without male trees, the seed from these fruit normally will not germinate.

Edible Uses: The fruit are eaten raw when ripe or cooked. They are acid so are often better as jam, jellies and wine. Because the fruit is high in pectin it makes good jams and jellies. The young leaves are eaten raw or steamed with rice. They are used as a spice or flavouring. CAUTION The bark is poisonous.

Production: Seedling trees fruit 4-5 years after planting. The fruiting season lasts a couple of months. In India plants flower and fruit April to August.

Nutrition Info

Chinese laurel, Bignay, Currant Tree, Buni Photos

References

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