Sterculia foetida L.
Bastard poon tree Java olive tree
Deciduous tree grow up to 40 m tall, 90 cm in diameter leaves palmately compound, containing 7-9 leaflets flowers before the leaves, unisexual flowers on the same plant fruit ellipsoid follicles, woody, initially green, then red, opening when ripe, containing 10-15 oblong, slate-grey seeds, 15-25 cm long, placed along the borders of the opening
Ornamental plant . The seed can be eaten raw, roasted or fried. It is oily and has a pleasant, cacao-like flavor, but is not bitter. When roasted, it tastes like peanuts. If eaten in too large a quantity, however, it can have a laxative to purgative effect. The seed is surrounded by a tough, parchment-like skin.
The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and Mazhar Botanic Garden does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
