Tambor, Kwalo falake
A tropical plant. It occurs from sea level up to at least 1800 m altitude in hot places near the equator and to 800 m in Queensland. It grows in the rainforest.
Synonyms
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Seeds
Where does Tambor grow?
Found in: Australia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Solomon Islands
Notes: There are about 20 Omphalea species. Omphalea queenslandiae and Omphalea papuana have now been separated. This description and distribution are probably mixed.
Status: The nut occurs occasionally in forest areas both in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and on the islands. The nut is eaten especially by children.
Growing Tambor, Kwalo falake
Cultivation: It is normally self sown. Plants can be grown from seed or from cuttings of firm new growth. Plants require a sunny position in well drained soil. It can not withstand frost.
Edible Uses: The kernels are eaten after cooking.
Production: Fruit production is seasonal. Fruit are ripe February to May. A kernel of a nut weighs about 3 g.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | 476 | 11.5 | 2.1 | - | - | 3.4 | 28.5 |
References
Bourke, M., 1995, Edible Indigenous Nuts in Papua New Guinea. In South Pacific Indigenous Nuts. ACIAR Proceedings No 69, Canberra. p 46
Bourke, M., 1995, Edible Indigenous Nuts in Papua New Guinea. In South Pacific Indigenous Nuts. ACIAR Proceedings No 69, Canberra. p 46 (As Omphalea gageana)
Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 204
Cooper, W. and Cooper, W., 2004, Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions, Victoria, Australia. p 194
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 75
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 101
Evans, B. R, 1999, Edible nut Trees in Solomon Islands. A variety collection of Canarium, Terminalia and Barringtonia. ACIAR Technical Report No. 44 96pp
Fortune Hopkins, H. C., 2000, Identity and dispersal of Aleurites erratica (Euphorbiaceae), A Pacific drift seed synonymised with Omphalea papuana. Kew Bulletin 55(1)
French, B.R., 1986, Food Plants of Papua New Guinea, A Compendium. Asia Pacific Science Foundation p 192
French, B.R., 1986, Food Plants of Papua New Guinea, A Compendium. Asia Pacific Science Foundation p 192 (As Omphalea gageana)
French, B.R., 2010, Food Plants of Solomon Islands. A Compendium. Food Plants International Inc. p 197
Henderson, C.P. and I.R.Hancock, 1988, A Guide to the Useful Plants of the Solomon Islands. Res. Dept. Min of Ag. & Lands. Honiara, Solomon Islands. p 76
Menninger, E.A., 1977, Edible Nuts of the World. Horticultural Books. Florida p 52
Meston, Rep. Exped. Bellenden-Ker Range 58. 1889
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew