Buchanania cochinchinensis (Lour.) M.R.Almeida

A small evergreen tree. It grows 12 m high. The bark is dark grey with deep narrow cracks. It has simple leathery leaves. They are 15-25 cm long by 6-10 cm wide. They are usually clustered at the ends of the twigs. Young leaves are reddish brown and hairy. The flowers are 4-5 mm across and white. They contain both sexes. They are in branched clusters at the ends of twigs. These are 15-30 cm long. The fruit are 9-12 mm long and purple. They are oval or mango shaped. The pear shaped kernels are edible.

A tropical plant. It grows in forest. It grows in fairly open areas. It suits a hot tropical monsoonal climate. They grow in seasonally dry forests. They need light. They can stand drought and high temperatures. They grow on the Deccan in India. In Nepal they grow to 1500 m altitude. In Yunnan it grows between 750-900 m altitude.

The ripe fruit is eaten raw and is sweet. It is used in sweets and yoghurt. The kernel of the seeds is eaten. They are roasted with milk. They are also ground used used to make beancurd. They are used as a substitute for pistachio. The seeds yield an edible oil.

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds will still grow after drying or chilling for short periods. Root cuttings can be used.