Irvingia malayana

Irvingia malayana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Irvingiaceae
Genus: Irvingia
Species: I. malayana
Binomial name
Irvingia malayana
Oliv. ex A.W.Benn.
Synonyms[2]
  • Irvingella harmandiana Tiegh.
  • Irvingella malayana (Oliv. ex A.W.Benn.) Tiegh.
  • Irvingella oliveri (Pierre) Tiegh.
  • Irvingia oliveri Pierre

Irvingia malayana, also known as wild almond (Thai: กระบก), is a tropical evergreen tree species in the family Irvingiaceae. The specific epithet malayana is from the Latin meaning "of Malaya".[3]

Description

Irvingia malayana grows as a large tree up to 50 metres (160 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 50 centimetres (20 in). The bark is greyish to whitish. The flowers are greenish white or yellowish. The ellipsoid fruits measure up to 6 cm (2 in) long.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Irvingia malayana grows naturally in Indo-China and Malesia.[1][3] Its main habitat is mixed dipterocarp forest from sea-level to 300 m (1,000 ft) altitude.[3]

Uses

The wood of this tree is used in construction.[4] In Thailand's Roi Et Province it is one of the preferred woods for charcoal,[5] where its seeds are also valued as food and eaten roasted.[6]

References

External links

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