Kundong; the rare fruit – Erakina

Scientific Classification 

Kingdom – Plantae 

Class – Tracheophytes

Class – Angiosperms 

Class – Eudicots 

Class – Rosids 

Order – Malpighiales 

Family – Clusiaceae 

Genus – Garcinia 

Species – G. parvifolia 

The kundong otherwise known as Brunei cherry or Asam aur is native to Borneo, Sulawesi, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra. Kundong is a tropical evergreen tree, the tree is found in humid environments and grows to a height of 33 meters, and the tree is found at elevations of around six hundred to eight hundred meters.

About Kundong

• Kundong is a cherry-sized fruit that has red or yellow skin and is very juicy.
• The kundong trees cover a very large area and are classified in the sub-canopy category.
• The kundong of the tree excretes white or yellow latex, the leaves have no trichomes.
• The flowers of kundong are 9 mm in diameter and are white or yellow placed in the leaf axis.
• The fruits of kundong are 17 mm in diameter and are yellow, red or orange in color, the fruits are fleshy and juicy berries and have seeds with white anil. 
• The kundong trees are usually found in hillsides and ridges, but can also be found in alluvial soils and alongside rivers.

Cultivation of Kundong

• The majority of kundong trees grow in the wild but can be cultivated in gardens. The kundong propagates through seeds that take six months to germinate.
• For cultivation, the tropical humid climate is best suited, the kundong is a fast-growing tree and can start producing in four years.

Kundong fruit uses 

• Generally, the kundong plant is used as a rhizome for the mangosteen. 
• The wood of kundong is used multipurpose like in furniture or carving.
• The fruits of kundong are sour flavoured and are suitable for eating.
• The juvenile leaves and young sprouts are used as a vegetable.
• Kundong is also used for flavouring other foods.