Baccaurea macrophylla
| Scientific name | Baccaurea macrophylla [1] |
|---|---|
| Common name | Lang Khae [2] |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae [1] |
| Genus | Baccaurea [1] |
| Order | Malpighiales [1] |
Baccaurea macrophylla, known as Lang Khae, is a tropical Southeast Asian tree in the family Phyllanthaceae. It is associated with rainforest and peat-swamp habitats in Malaysia and Sumatra and is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit. [2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The species is described as a tree about 8–27 m tall with a dense crown. Its reported natural settings include primary and secondary rainforest and peat swamp, from sea level to about 650 m. That combination indicates a large, humid-tropical forest tree rather than a naturally compact container plant. [2]
Taxonomic synonyms recorded for the species include Baccaurea beccariana, Baccaurea malayana, and Cheilosa malayana. [2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
The species occurs in rainforest and peat-swamp settings. A habitat-based cultivation inference is to begin with a moisture-retentive root zone and steady water availability, while maintaining enough drainage to prevent prolonged stagnant saturation. This is a starting point from habitat, not a measured species requirement; no fixed irrigation interval or soil-pH target is established here. [2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Warm, humid tropical conditions match the reported native environment. A habitat-based cultivation inference is to provide humid air and a sheltered establishment site, then adjust exposure as the plant responds; the available species account does not establish a universal full-sun or shade threshold. [2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
In a climate with a pronounced dry season, a habitat-based cultivation inference is to avoid prolonged drought in the root zone. During wet weather, keep drainage functional so that the moisture associated with its native habitat does not become stagnant saturation around the roots. [2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Fresh seed is reported to germinate within a few days. When seed is available, sowing it promptly while fresh is therefore the most defensible starting practice; the reported timing should not be treated as a tested storage interval or a guaranteed result under every handling condition. [2]
The species is reported as dioecious. Growing more than one plant is therefore important when the objective is fruit and seed production, because a single seedling cannot be assumed to provide both sexes. [2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Baccaurea macrophylla is reported as dioecious, so fruit production requires access to male and female plants. Flowers on a single tree should not be taken as proof that it can set fruit by itself. [2]
The fruit is reported as about 4–5 cm across with yellowish-brown skin and sweet-sour flesh. These are reported descriptive values rather than a fixed harvest specification; fruit eaten out of hand is the documented use. [2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The species is occasionally cultivated in Southeast Asia for its edible fruit. The reported sweet-sour flesh is eaten out of hand. [2]