Stelechocarpus burahol

Stelechocarpus burahol
Kepel fruit; photo by Sogellizer; CC BY-SA 4.0
Scientific name	Stelechocarpus burahol
Common names	Keppel apple; kepel
Genus	Stelechocarpus
Family	Annonaceae
Order	Magnoliales
Fruit type	Berry
Growth form	Evergreen tree
Native range	Malesia; habitat records include Java
Mature size	Up to about 25 m; site-dependent
Years to fruit	N/A — no dependable species-appropriate first-fruiting value located

Stelechocarpus burahol is kepel or keppel apple, an evergreen Annonaceae fruit tree.

Description

Stelechocarpus burahol tree in full flower; photo by Steve Fitzgerald; CC BY-SA 4.0

Stelechocarpus burahol is an evergreen Annonaceae tree known as kepel or keppel apple. It bears round fruit directly on the trunk and larger branches, a cauliflorous habit that distinguishes it from many commonly grown custard apples. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in Malesia, including deep, moist clay soils in secondary forest in Java and sites among bamboo clumps. It grows in lowland moist tropics to about 600 m; its complete native range and universal elevation limit remain unresolved. ^[3]

Cultivation

Soil and water

Use fertile, moisture-retentive, acid soil with reliable drainage. The reported deep clay habitat indicates substantial moisture availability and organic matter, not permanently stagnant roots. In a container, use a deep, airy medium and avoid standing water. ^[3]

Sun and humidity

Full sun or light shade is reported. Young trees benefit from protection while establishing, particularly where dry air or reflected heat increases water loss. No numeric humidity requirement was verified; warm, humid air is the safer translation of the lowland habitat.

Seasonal changes

The sources do not establish a dependable wet/dry flowering calendar, harvest month, dormancy pattern, or first-fruiting age. Keep the root zone evenly moist through active growth and do not convert the absence of a dry-season record into a claim that the tree requires year-round saturation.

Propagation

Fresh seed from mature fruit is the principal documented method; the source account says germination may take many months even though a high proportion may eventually emerge. Softwood cuttings are also mentioned, but no reliable success rate was located. ^[3]

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

The round fruit is borne on the trunk and is reported at about 5–6 cm in diameter. The source describes juicy, sweet, fragrant flesh. A reliable harvest calendar and time from flowering to ripe fruit are not established.

Fruit and uses

The ripe fruit is eaten raw. Medicinal, reproductive, and fragrance effects are not presented because suitable primary safety or clinical support is lacking. ^[3]

Photos

References

• ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Stelechocarpus burahol.

• ↑ [2] Plants of the World Online search: Stelechocarpus burahol.

• ↑ [3] Useful Tropical Plants: Stelechocarpus burahol.

Image credits

• Burahol Fruit - Buah Kepel (Stelechocarpus burahol).jpg — photo by Sogellizer; CC BY-SA 4.0. Commons file page.
• Stelechocarpus-burahol-SF24242-04.jpg — photo by Steve Fitzgerald; CC BY-SA 4.0. Commons file page.
• Stelechocarpus-burahol-SF24257-01.jpg — photo by Steve Fitzgerald; CC BY-SA 4.0. Commons file page.