Common Name: Namnam

General Information

Cynometra cauliflora is an attractive shrub or small tree with a rather dense crown and zigzag twigs, growing from 3 - 15 metres tall. It flowers and produces large seedpods along the trunk of the tree, most commonly near the base[, , ].
The seedpods are highly valued as a food and as an ingredient for traditional medicine, and are sold in local markets.
The tree has a very long history of cultivation both for food and as an ornament, but only on a garden scale[, , ]. It is also commonly grown in pots as a bonsai specimen[]. It is not known in the wild, though it is believed to have originated in Malaysia[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Malaysia.

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Namnam grows well in wet tropical lowlands, but experience in India suggests that it is more fruitful in monsoon climates with a distinct dry season[]. It succeeds at elevations up to 400 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 35°c, but can tolerate 17 - 40°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,500 - 2,000mm, but tolerates 1,200 - 2,500mm[].
Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates some shade[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.5 - 6.5[]. The tree is wind resistant[].
Namnam pods are a well-liked food, but yields in South-East Asia are so low that the tree is grown more for its curiosity than its productivity, and this situation is not likely to change[].
Seedling trees begin to flower after about 6 years[].
Pods mature about 2 months after flowering[].
We have seen no specific information for this species but, since it is a legume, it is likely to have 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

The young fruit (seedpod) - raw or cooked. A pleasant, sharp flavour[]. It is very sour, but the acid content decreases with maturity[]. The mature fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked with sugar to make sweets (compote)[, ]. It can also be made into a fruit salad, pickled, or be used to prepare a special 'sambal' (a condiment based on pounded chilli)[]. The fleshy, brownish-green seedpod is rather kidney-shaped, up to 3cm long by 2cm by 1cm[]. The pod is 3 - 9cm long[].

Medicinal

An oil from the seed is used medicinally[].

Other Uses

The wood is not valued, not even for firewood[].

Propagation

Seed -

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many fingers does the typical human have?