Antidesma bunius

Antidesma bunius is a species of fruit tree in the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It is commonly known as bignay, bugnay or bignai, Chinese-laurel, Queensland-cherry, wild cherry, and currant tree.

Description

Antidesma bunius is an evergreen tree that grows from 10 to 25 meters tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, oblong, and 10–20 cm long. The flowers are small, greenish, and borne on terminal or axillary spikes. The fruit is a spherical, 8–10 mm diameter drupe containing one seed. Fruits are green at first, then yellow, and finally bright red or black at maturity.

Distribution and habitat

Antidesma bunius is native to a wide area of tropical Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia. It is found in a variety of habitats, from sea level up to 2,400 m altitude.

Uses

The fruit of Antidesma bunius is edible, either consumed raw or used in making wine and vinegar. The wood is used for construction and furniture. The tree is also used in traditional medicine, particularly in the Philippines, where it is used to treat various ailments.

Cultivation

Antidesma bunius is cultivated for its fruit in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is a hardy tree, tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Conservation

While Antidesma bunius is not currently considered threatened, habitat loss and overharvesting for timber and fruit pose potential threats to the species.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• List of plants used in herbalism