Common Name:

General Information

Archidendron fagifolium is a shrub or a tree growing up to 16 metres tall[].
The edible seeds are harvested from the wild for local use.

Known Hazards

Although we have no specific information for this species, the seeds of several other members of this genus contain the amino acid derivative djenkolic acid. Ingestion of seed containing this substance can cause the formation of sharp needle-like crystals of djenkolic acid in the kidney or urinary tract. In severe cases, crystals of djenkolic acid have been found in urine. Indeed, people who are suffering from djenkolism show similar symptoms to those suffering from kidney or urinary stones, a condition for which it has been frequently mistaken[].

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitat

An understorey plant of primary rain forest, swampy forest, forest on hillsides and on flat land; at elevations up to 1,150 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,150 metres.

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Although the smell of the seed is rather offensive, the seeds are used to add flavour to food just like jengkol (Archidendron jiringa)[]. The seeds contain large amounts of djenkol acid which needs to be removed by boiling them in 2 - 3 changes of water[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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