Canarium album

Canarium album is a species of tropical tree belonging to the Burseraceae family, commonly known as the Chinese olive or white olive. It is native to East and Southeast Asia, including China, Vietnam, and Thailand. The tree is cultivated for its edible fruit and ornamental value.

Description

The Canarium album is a large evergreen tree that can reach up to 30-40 meters in height. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-7 leaflets, each leaflet 10–20 cm long and 4–8 cm broad. The flowers are small and white, produced in large panicles. The fruit is a drupe, oval in shape, and turns from green to yellow when ripe.

Cultivation and Uses

Canarium album is widely cultivated in East and Southeast Asia for its fruit. The fruit is consumed both fresh and preserved. In Chinese cuisine, the fruit is often candied or dried, and is a common ingredient in desserts and pastries. The fruit is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported health benefits.

The wood of the Canarium album tree is used in furniture making due to its durability and resistance to termites. The tree is also grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.

Ecology

Canarium album trees are pollinated by insects and the fruits are dispersed by birds and mammals. The trees play an important role in the ecosystem by providing food and habitat for various species of wildlife.

Conservation

While the Canarium album is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization poses a threat to its survival in the wild.

See Also

• List of Chinese fruits
• List of trees of Thailand