BUTTERFRUIT, BUAH MENTAGA

This plant belongs to family which is well known for its wood i.e. ebony which is mainly used for art and not for construction of buildings. This species, native of the Philippines, can grow to a big tree of 20 meters or more but locally usually small trees are produced. Its habit is a small spreading tree with drooping branches. The leaves are smooth but covered with soft fine hairs. They are fairly large 7.5-22.5 cm long by 2.5-7.5 cm wide. The leaves are dark green on the top surface but the bottom is copper color because of the hair which turns pale dull color at maturity. Flowers are produced in small clusters; both male and female flowers are found. The flower is creamy in color, and slightly scented. Rounded fruits of 5-7.5 cm in diameter are produced. The color varies from pink to reddish brown. It is covered with short silky hairs with 4 persistent sepals still attached. As a fruit, it may not be very popular; its flesh is whitish, sweet and quite tasty. It is normally planted from seeds.