Burmese grape

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Baccaurea ramiflora
Mafai.jpg
Plant Info
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Genus: Baccaurea
Species: B. ramiflora

Binomial name
Baccaurea ramiflora
Lour.

The Burmese grape (Baccaurea ramiflora, Family: Phyllanthaceae) is a slow growing evergreen tree growing to 25 m, with a spreading crown and thin bark. It is found throughout Asia, most commonly cultivated in India and Malaysia. It grows in evergreen forests on a wide range of soils. The fruit is harvested and used locally, eaten as a fruit, stewed or made into wine; it is also used medicinally to treat skin diseases. The bark, roots and wood are harvested for medicinal uses.

The fruit is oval, colored yellowish, pinkish to bright red or purple, 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter, glabrous, with 2-4 large purple-red seed, with white aril.

Bark, roots and wood are dried and ground before boiling in water. Fruits can be kept fresh for 4-5 days, or boiled and mixed with salt after which it is keeps well closed jars. Marginal importance of the fruit, locally used and sold.


Other names

  • English: Burmese grape
  • Thai: mafai, mak fai pa, khi mi, sae khrua sae, somfai, hamkang, pha yio
  • Vietnamese: giau gia dhat, giau tien, dzau mien dzuoi, you vo do, bung
  • Burmese: kanazo
  • Cambodian: phnhiew
  • Local names: Phu noi: cha chouay see
  • Indian : Le-te-ku