| − | Lansium domesticum, Jack. Langsat. Lansa. Lanseh. Lanzon. Ayer Ayer. A medium-sized, rather slender tree, native of the Malayan Archipelago: lvs. with 3 or more pairs of elliptical to obovate, alternate, shortly petiolulate lfts., about 4-6 in. long and 2-3 in. broad: fr. globose or ovate, 1-1 1/2 in. long, calyx persistent, the sepals small, dry, brownish; seeds 1 or 2 developed, remainder usually aborted, of variable size, oval; testa membranous. —The langsat is frequently seen in the markets of Manila, Canton, Singapore, Penang, and other cities in that part of the world. The round to oval frs. are borne in clusters, and are not unlike loquats in general appearance, except that the color is a dull straw or brownish yellow, and the thick leathery skin, which does not adhere to the flesh, is pubescent on the surface. The flesh separates into 5 or less distinct segms. like those of an orange, and is white, translucent, very juicy, and of a subacid pungent flavor, sometimes tasting slightly of turpentine, especially if the thin membrane which surrounds the segms. gets into the mouth. It is eaten fresh or prepared in various ways. Ward wrote that the langsat "is by many reckoned the finest fruit in the peninsula. The month of July is the season at Malacca when it is had in the greatest perfection." Its season extends to Sept. A variety known as "duku" or "doekoe" is larger than the type, and considered much the better of the two. Both the duku and the langsat are commonly planted in gardens, and spring up along the roadsides. They have recently been planted in S. Fla. and the W. Indies. The duku is produced in smaller clusters than the langsat, and is spherical in form, varying from 1-2 in. diam. The skin is about 1/8 in. thick, leathery, dull brownish yellow in color, covered with a thick grayish pubescence. The flavor is very pleasant and refreshing, scarcely comparable to that of any temperate fr. The seeds retain their vitality for some time, if not allowed to become too dry, and germinate readily when planted in light, loamy soil. Seed prop, is the only method known to be employed in Malaya.
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