Marian plum

Marian Plum (Bouea macrophylla), also known as Plum Mango or Gandaria, is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes the mango, cashew, and poison ivy.

Description

The Marian Plum tree can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has a dense, spreading crown and a short, thick trunk. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, simple, and usually 10-25 cm long. The flowers are small, yellowish, and borne in large panicles.

The fruit of the Marian Plum is oval or round, about 4-6 cm in diameter, and has a smooth, thin skin that is golden yellow when ripe. The flesh is orange-yellow, juicy, and sweet to slightly acidic in taste. It contains a single large seed.

Cultivation and Uses

Marian Plum is cultivated for its fruit in its native range of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is also grown in other tropical regions such as Florida and Hawaii in the United States.

The fruit is eaten fresh or used in cooking. It can be made into jams, jellies, and desserts. In Thailand, it is often eaten with chili salt. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and other items.

Nutrition

Marian Plum is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It also contains potassium, calcium, and iron. The fruit is low in calories and high in dietary fiber.

See Also

• List of culinary fruits
• Tropical agriculture