Common Name: Lakoocha

General Information

Lakoocha is a deciduous tree with a dense, spreading crown; it can grow 6 - 18 metres tall[, ].
The plant is valued mainly for its edible fruit, which is often gathered from the wild, and also supplies medicines and various materials for local use. The tree is sometimes cultivated for its fruit in the tropics of the Old and New Worlds, especially in northern India, the fruit often being sold in local markets[, , ]. The tree is also sometimes grown as an ornamental, providing beneficial shade[].
In many places within its native range the populations are gradually decreasing due to extensive exploitation and poor seed viability[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia[].

Habitat

Forests on limestone mountains at elevations of 100 - 1,300 metres in southern Yunnan[]. Evergreen, semievergreen and moist deciduous forests at elevations up to 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects?
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the humid tropics, where it is found at elevations from near sea level to 1,300 metres[, ]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 32°c, but can tolerate 8 - 47°c[]. It can be killed by temperatures of -1°c or lower[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,500 - 3,000mm, but tolerates 1,200 - 5,000mm, with a distinct dry season of up to 3 months[, , ].
Prefers a deep, well-drained soil[]. It prefers deep permeable soils with a good supply of moisture[]. Young plants need some shade, but need increasing light levels as they mature[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6.5, tolerating 4 - 7.5[].

Edible Uses

The fruit has a pleasant sub-acid flavour[, ]. Occasionally eaten raw, they are more commonly used in curries and chutneys[]. The fruit is up to 7.5cm long[].

The male inflorescence is acid and astringent[]. It is sometimes pickled[]. Used as a component of some curry mixtures[].

The broad, flat seeds are edible[].

The bark contains 8 - 9% tannin and is chewed as a substitute for betel nut (Areca spp.)[, ]. The bark is sometimes added to the betel mix[].

Medicinal

The sap and juice of the bark is applied externally to boils, pimples, cuts and wounds[].

The root is astringent and is also used as a purgative[].

The macerated bark is used as a poultice for treating skin ailments. The bark is used to treat headache[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is an important component of traditional agroforestry systems, being integrated into mixed cropping systems with other crops[].

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the inner bark is used for cordage[, ].

A yellow colouring matter is obtained from the wood and roots[]. It is used for dyeing textiles[].

A sticky latex is present in all parts of the tree and has many uses[].

The yellow wood is durable, hard and suitable for polishing[]. It is resistant to termites[]. It is used for timber, heavy construction, furniture and boat building[, , ].
The wood is an important local source of fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a very short viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. The seedcoat is very thin - the seeds need to be handled carefully to avoid damaging them[]. Sow seeds in a nursery seedbed, or sow 2 seeds per individual container - any surplus seedlings can be moved to another pot[]. The seed germinates best at a temperature of 24 - 27°c[]. The seed germinates quite quickly and, when 2 - 3 weeks old, are robust enough to withstand full sun and rain[]. Seedlings are planted out when about 20 - 25cm tall[].
Root cuttings.
Air layering.

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