Propagated by seed and germinates readily and quickly. Shoot growth occurs in synchrony. Young plants bear much larger leaves than the full-grown tree which is often sparsely foliated. In Java the trees flower between June and August. Fruit ripens after about 14 weeks. Seeds dispersed by animals. Long-lived tree of late successional forest
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Flacourtia rukam
Food
Lumber
Medicinal
Product
Ceremonial
Indonesian Common Name
Rukam, Ganda rukem, rukam (Java), Klang tatah kutang (Borneo)
Tree Family
Salicaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
12.25cm
Length
×
6cm
Width
Tree Height
Small (10–20m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1500m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Indonesia
Native to
Region
Asia
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku Islands, New Guinea, Sulawesi, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Coffee Impact
Unknown
Prevalence
Unknown
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Regenerates Naturally
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Food
- Lumber
- Medicinal
- Product
- Ceremonial
Produces latex. The ripe fruit can be eaten raw and is rubbed between the palms of the hand as bruising the flesh eliminates astringency. It is also served in 'rujak', a fruit salad with a spicy sauce, pickled, or sweetened with sugar to make jam or confectionaries. The young leaves are eaten raw in side dishes as a vegetable. Used for magic. Immature fruit is used to prepare traditional medicine against diarrhea and dysentery. The juice of the leaves is applied to inflamed eye-lids. The wood is hard and strong and used to make household utensils such as pestles and furniture.
Farm Services
- Unknown
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
Insects are attracted by the flower