Antidesma bunius
| Bignay (Antidesma bunius) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Antidesma bunius |
| Common names | Bignay; Chinese-laurel; buni; salamander tree |
| Genus | Antidesma |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Fruit type | Drupe |
| Growth form | Evergreen shrub or tree |
| Native range | South and Southeast Asia, Melanesia, northern Australia, and the Pacific |
| Climate and site | Hot, humid tropical lowlands; sun or light shade |
| Mature size | Usually 3 to 10 m; exceptional trees may approach 30 m |
| Propagation | Seed after after-ripening; grafting or other vegetative methods |
| Fruit | Small red to black fruit in long clusters; juicy and tart-sweet when ripe |
| Harvest | Pick individually as fruit colors and softens; clusters ripen unevenly |
| Years to fruit | About 5 to 6 years from seed; about 2 to 3 years from grafted plants |
Bignay (Antidesma bunius; also Chinese-laurel, buni, and salamander tree) is an evergreen fruit tree in the family Phyllanthaceae. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, and is grown in tropical gardens for its long clusters of tart-sweet fruit. The accepted scientific name is distinct from other plants sold under overlapping common names such as Queensland cherry or wild cherry.[1]
Description[edit | edit source]
Bignay is a variable plant, ranging from a short bushy tree to a tall forest tree. It is commonly about 3 to 10 m in cultivation, while exceptional trees may approach 30 m. The evergreen leaves are dark green, leathery, and glossy. Small fruits hang in redcurrant-like clusters near the shoot tips; individual fruits are round, up to about 8 mm across, and turn from green or white through red to black as they ripen.[2]
Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]
The native range extends from southern and eastern Asia through mainland Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, northern Australia, and Pacific islands. Plants occur in wet evergreen, dipterocarp, and teak forest, along river banks and forest edges, and in secondary or cultivated vegetation. The species therefore encounters both shaded humid forest and brighter disturbed sites, but fruit production still benefits from reliable moisture and shelter.[2][4]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Bignay grows best in hot, humid tropical lowlands and is frost-tender. It can grow in full sun or light shade, but young trees benefit from wind protection and consistent soil moisture. Plants have been grown at elevations up to about 1,200 m in Java and may tolerate occasional light frost, although severe cold can damage them.[3]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Use fertile, moisture-retentive soil with drainage between heavy rains. The species tolerates several soil textures; a pH near 6 to 7 is preferred, with a reported broader tolerance of about 5.5 to 8. Water young trees during dry weather and maintain root moisture while flowers and fruit clusters are developing. Avoid a permanently waterlogged container or poorly drained planting hole even though plants occur beside rivers and in wet forest.[2][3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Full sun or light shade is suitable. Humid tropical air and good soil moisture support active growth, while an open canopy with airflow helps limit stress in hot sites. Protect the branches of young trees from strong wind; mature plants can become large and need room for the crown and fruiting racemes.[3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Bignay's native habitats include wet evergreen forest as well as monsoon-influenced secondary vegetation, so the intensity and timing of dry periods differ by region. Keep irrigation steady during flowering and fruit enlargement, then adjust it to local rainfall rather than using one universal flowering or harvest month. In climates with a cool season, protect young trees and reduce irrigation only as growth naturally slows.[2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed may be sown after about one month of after-ripening, generally under shade without additional treatment. Fresh seed treatments are also described, but viability is variable, reported at roughly 3 to 70 percent. Vegetative propagation is useful because seedlings have uncertain sex and may take several years to crop. Grafted plants can begin fruiting earlier than seedlings, with about 2 to 3 years reported for grafted plants versus about 5 to 6 years from seed.[2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Male and female flowers occur on separate trees, so a fruiting planting needs a compatible female and a pollen-producing male. Flies and other insects are recorded as pollinators. Fruit clusters ripen unevenly, with berries changing color from red to black; harvest can therefore be staged by picking the darker, fully ripe berries rather than cutting an entire cluster at once. Heavy flower fragrance, especially from male trees, can be unpleasant to some people.[2][3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
Ripe bignay fruit is juicy and slightly sweet to tart, with a relatively large seed. It is eaten fresh or cooked and made into jams, jellies, preserves, drinks, and wine. Juice may contain an astringent sediment that settles during refrigeration. Young leaves are also eaten in some cuisines, but the bark contains a toxic alkaloid and should not be treated as a food or casual home remedy.[2][3]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Antidesma bunius. Accepted exact species match; family, order, and genus.
- ↑ [2] Useful Tropical Plants: Antidesma bunius. Habit, range, habitat, climate, soil, dioecy, pollinators, fruit, food uses, bearing age, and propagation.
- ↑ [3] Plants For A Future: Antidesma bunius. Habitat, climate, soil, sex expression, edible uses, bark hazard, and cultivation summary.
- ↑ [4] Plants of the World Online: Antidesma bunius. Kew taxonomic and distribution search record.
