Durian, Papaya, Mango, Cashew, Hog Plum & Kaffir Plum Photos

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Economic Plant Photographs #9

Durian, Papaya, Mango, Cashew,
Hog Plum, Kaffir Plum & Burdekin Plum

1. Bombax Family (Bombaceaeae)

The durian (Durio zibethinus), a large, spiny fruit from a Malaysian tree of the bombax family (Bombacaeae). Ripe fruits produce an odor that is offensive to some people, but is very attractive to wildlife, from ants to elephants. The custard-like, fleshy layer surrounding the large seeds has a unique, buttery sweet favor. Durians are very popular in Asian countries, but walking under a large tree when the enormous fruits are ripe could be hazardous.

The durian (Durio zibethinus), a large, spiny fruit from a Malaysian tree of the bombax family (Bombacaeae). Durians are very popular in Asian countries, but walking under a large tree when the enormous fruits are ripe could be hazardous. This massive durian weighed 8 pounds (3.6 kg).

Massive fruit of the durian (Durio zibethinus) compared with an ordinary chicken egg. Ripe fruits produce an odor that is offensive to some people, but is very attractive to wildlife, from ants to elephants. The custard-like, fleshy layer surrounding the large seeds has a unique, buttery sweet favor. It is eaten fresh or chilled, in ice cream and desserts, or cooked with rice. The chestnut-flavored seeds can also be cooked. According to N. Van Aken and J. Harrisson (The Great Exotic Fruit Book, Ten Speed Press, 1995), the fruits are banned from some airlines and hotels because of the strong, fetid odor of ripe fruits

Delicious cookies made from the durian fruit (Durio zibethinus). Durians are very popular in Asian countries, but walking under a large tree when the enormous fruits are ripe could be hazardous.

Another large fruit in the bombax family (Bombacaceae) is the Guiana chestnut (Pachira aquatica), an estuarine tree that is native from Mexico to northern South America. It is also one of the species referred to as the "shaving brush tree" because of the large flowers with hundreds of showing stamens. The large, heavy, brown fruit may reach 12 inches (30 cm) in length and more than five inches (12 cm) in diameter. The fruit is technically a woody capsule that splits open into five sections containing large seeds embedded in a fleshy pulp. The edible seeds can be eaten raw and taste like peanuts or chestnuts. They are also roasted or fried in oil, and may be ground into flour and baked into bread.

Guiana chestnut (Pachira aquatica), showing large brown seed capsule and shiny green, palmate leaves.

Guiana chestnut (Pachira aquatica), showing a large flower composed of numerous long, showy stamens. Species in this genus are often referred to as "shaving brush trees." A large, brown seed capsule is partially hidden by the palmate leaves.

2. Papaya Family (Caricaceae)

Papaya (Carica papaya), a delicious cauliflorous fruit from a small, soft-stemmed tree of the papaya family (Caricaceae).

Cauliflorous fruits of papaya (Carica papaya) hang in clusters from the trunk of this common pantropical tree.

Go To Article About Cauliflory

3. Sumac Family (Anacardiaceae)

The mango (Mangifera indica) is a drupe with an outer leathery skin (exocarp), a fleshy mesocarp and a hard, stony endocarp (pit) surrounding the large seed. Wave-worn, sun-bleached endocarps often wash ashore on tropical beaches, probably thrown overboard from ships and boats at sea.

The mango (Mangifera indica), a delicious, fleshy fruit with a large pit (endocarp). Native to India and Southeast Asia, this tree is grown throughout tropical regions of the world. It belongs to the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), along with poison oak, poison sumac and the cashew tree. People who are hypersensitive to poison oak can get a mouth rash from eating mangoes. In fact, there is some evidence that native born Hawaiians and Asians may be less susceptible to poison oak because of early exposure to mangoes.

The mango (Mangifera indica), a large tree native to India and Southeast Asia. This tree is grown throughout tropical regions of the world for its delicious, fleshy fruit containing a large, seed-bearing pit (endocarp). Mango trees belong to the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), along with poison oak, poison sumac and the cashew tree. People who are hypersensitive to poison oak often get a mouth rash from eating mangoes. In fact, there is some evidence that native born Hawaiians and Asians may be less susceptible to poison oak because of early exposure to mangoes.

Go To Article About Poison Oak

In addition to producing one of the most delicious fruits on earth, the wood of the mango tree (Mangifera indica) is often made into bowls, boxes and canisters.

The mango (Mangifera indica), a delicious, fleshy fruit with a large pit (endocarp). Native to India and Southeast Asia, this tree is grown throughout tropical regions of the world. The smaller, brown, wave-worn fruits and pits (endocarps) commonly wash ashore on tropical beaches.

Go To Article About Ocean Drift Seed & Fruits

Cashew apple and "nut" of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). The fleshy "apple" is really the swollen stalk (pedicel) and base to which the "nut" is attached. The outer shell of the "nut" contains the poison oak allergen urushiol, and may cause dermatitis in hypersensitive people. Technically, the "nut" is a dry fruit called a drupe. It consists of a thin outer layer (exocarp and reduced mesocarp) surrounding a thicker, seed-bearing endocarp. Some botanists prefer not to commit themselves and call the cashew fruit a drupaceous nut.

Go To Poison Oak Article

The hog plum or mombin (Spondias mombin) is a delicious fruit produced by a tall tree indigenous to tropical America. In fact, the tree is commonly grown throughout the Caribbean region for its sweet, juicy fruits. Like the mango, the fibrous, seed-bearing mesocarp becomes a common drift fruit in Caribbean currents. Dried hog plums commonly wash ashore on beaches of Caribbean islands, the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States. The hog plum is also growm in India. In Calcutta (now Kolkata) it is called "amra." A common misconception is that "amra" is raw mango.

Hog plum (Spondias mombin), a delicious mango relative native to tropical America.

Another little-known fruit in the sumac family comes from the South African kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum). The fruits are sometimes eaten raw, but because of their tartness, they are more commonly used for a delicious jelly. Like the hog plum, the kaffir plum is technically a fleshy drupe with a hard, seed-bearing endocarp.

South African kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum). The tart fruits are made into a jelly.

Go To Article About Ocean Drift Seed & Fruits

The Australian (and Asian) burdekin plum (Pleiogynium solandri), also listed in some references as P. timorense. The fruits are used in jams and jellies. Mature fruits develop their best flavor when allowed to soften for several days after they are harvested.

The Australian (and Asian) burdekin plum (Pleiogynium solandri), also listed in some references as P. timorense. The fruits are used in jams and jellies. Mature fruits develop their best flavor when allowed to soften for several days after they are harvested. The large, ribbed seeds are also eaten. [Note: Jam is a preserve of slightly crushed fruit boiled with sugar; jelly is fruit juice boiled with sugar and sometimes pectin, then cooled to a soft, thick consistency.]

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