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Introduction of Batuan fruit

            Scientific name - Garcinia binucao

Indigenous to the south east region, the Binucao tree reaches to a height of about 25m approximately. Rooted from the family Clusiaceae, they are widespread in low altitude forests; and are prevalent in Philippines and Vietnam. Seeing that, it is a fruit with a very sour taste, they are mostly used as a souring agent in local food recipes. As a matter of fact, they are a close relative of mangosteen. Classified under the category of sub-globose fruits, they have a multi-sectioned pod of sour flavor seeds. With ovate oblong leaves, the leaves of Binucao are just about 15cm long and rounded at both ends; however they are medium-sized. With countless number of seeds, the outer covering of the fruit is firm and contains a very acidic pulp. With a pendulous branch, the flowers are small, red in color and borne in clusters. The leaves of the tree being shiny and smooth, it has a bark that’s black in color. Coming to the fruits, they are rounded to an extent and are 4cm in diameter.

Uses of Batuan fruit

With great economic importance or potentials that were identified, Binucao is one of the 300 species of fruits. Sources say that this unutilized species is useful as a home garden fruit tree and its fruits may be eaten raw. Just like any other Garcinia varieties, even Binucao can be preserved by slicing into thin pieces and then drying under the sun. They are used for making pickles.

Health Benefits and Habitat of Batuan fruit

Used to treat dysentery

As far as the habitation of Binucao trees are concerned, they are found speckled and are second-storey trees of primary lowland and secondary forests.

Environmental requirements:
The Binucao tree is said to thrive in a well drained area at low altitude.

Cultivation and Propagation

Seeing that the trees are logged for shifting cultivation, the population of these wild trees are declining at a very fast pace. With that said, there is a great need for saving this species from disappearance by planting trees. Dioecious in nature, it is not possible to determine the sex of trees visually at the time of planting and new trees can be raised from seeds. It has also been tried as a rootstock.

Though there is no specific information on this species, Sources say that there is a healthy eating tradition for this fruit that is difficult to propagate and it is the seed of most members of the genus can be slow to take root, even if sown fresh, often taking 6 months or more.

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