GNEMON TREE, MENINJAU

Botanically, Meninjau is considered a very primitive plant, probably introduced from Java where it is common. In Peninsular Malaysia it is common. In Peninsular Malaysia it is mainly found in the East Coast. It grows into a tall tree 17-20 meters in height with a nice conical shape canopy. The leaves are 7.5-12.5 cm long by 2.5-7.5 cm wide. They are dark green and shiny above and pale below. Being a primitive plant more like the pines, male and female cones are produced. These cones are 7.5-12.5 cm long. The female cones do not produce true fruits; the fruits are actually seeds in the botanical sense. Each seed is oblong in shape, smooth in texture, and measuring 2.5-5 cm long and 2 cm wide. It is green when young but turns orange red on ripening. The edible part of the seed i.e. skin or rind is bulky. The seeds can be are eaten raw or made into biscuits, cakes and savouries.