Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Parkia speciosa
Food
Fuelwood
Lumber
Medicinal
Product
English Common Name
Bitter bean
Indonesian Common Name
Petai, Pete (Javanese)
Tree Family
Fabaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
0.7cm
Length
×
0.2cm
Width
Tree Height
Medium (20–35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1400m
0 3000
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Indonesia

Native to

Region
Asia
Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra

Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Regenerates Naturally
Tree Management

Propagated by seedlings. Pollinated by bats and seed pods dispersed by birds. Able to withstand dry periods and poor soil, but ample space and light are necessary for optimal growth. Long lived tree.

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses
  • Food
  • Fuelwood
  • Lumber
  • Medicinal
  • Product

Spice, vegetable, fruit, and seeds can be sold at local market and are also consumed with the seeds sometimes used as a vegetable as they have a garlic flavor, half-ripe pods pickled in salt, and young leaves and fresh parts of the flower stalks eaten raw. The seeds are known to reduce blood sugar levels and are used in treatment of kidney pain and inflammation, cancer, diabetes, liver pain, swelling, colic, cholera, used as an antiparasitic, and are applied externally to wounds and ulcers. The wood is used locally for temporary light construction, carpentry, matches, clogs, disposable chopsticks, and fishnet floats.

Farm Services
  • Coffee Shade
  • Soil Improvement
  • Nitrogen Fixation

Soil improvement: high litter layer decomposition rate, reduces soil erosion

Biodiversity Benefits
Yes

Fruits and leaves feed Helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) and the endangered Black-crested Sumatran langur (Presbytis melalophus). Black-banded squirrel and the slender squirrel are often seen stripping pieces of the outer bark to eat the inner bark or cambium.