Food Plants International

340
Names
English: Scientific name: Elaeocarpus womersleyi Weibel
Tok pisin: Synonyms:
Tok ples: Plant family: Elaeocarpaceae
Description: A large tree up to 34 m tall mostly with
buttresses. The leaves are arranged alternatively, are
simple and have a toothed margin. The flowers and
fruit are in groups on a small branch. The fruit can be
up to 10 cm across with green flesh and a stone inside
which has a hard corrugated surface. The hard stone has
3 valves and is cracked to release the kernel.
Distribution: It occurs from sea level up to at least
2400 m altitude but is most common in mid altitude
regions. It is common in bush regrowth in old gardens.
Cultivation: It normally grows wild but is occasionally planted from seed.
Production: Fruit production is seasonal probably late August to September.
Use: The kernel of the nut is eaten.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible
part
Nut
Moisture
%
Energy
KJ
Protein
g
Calcium
mg
Iron
mg
proVit A
µg
proVit C
mg
Insects:
Rhyparida coriacea Jac. Chrysomelidae (COL) A leaf eating beetle
Diseases:
Rust Fungi Aecidium elaeocarpi Racib.
And Aecidium elaeocarpicola Cummins
And Aecidium morobense Cummins
Sooty mould
Pests:
Importance: In Papua New Guinea, an occasional nut tree in quite a few highland areas. It is
mainly just harvested and used when found.
Zinc
mg