Food Plants International

342
Names
English: Queensland almond, Karanda nut Scientific name: Elaeocarpus bancrofti
F. Muell & F.M.Bailey
Tok pisin: Synonyms:
Tok ples: Plant family: Elaeocarpaceae
Description: A medium sized to tall tree. It
grows 15-30 m tall and spreads 8-15 m across.
The bark is dark grey and scaly. Young shoots
are covered with fine silky hairs. The leaves
are oblong to sword shaped and 7-15 cm long
by 2-6 cm wide. They are dark green and
glossy on top and paler underneath. The edges
of the leaf are entire. The flower racemes are
4-8 cm long with flowers 1.5 cm long. These
flower arrangements grow in the leafless part
of the stem. The flowers are white and bell
shaped. The edges of the flower petals have
lobes.
The fruit is 2.5-3.5 cm across and rounded. They are greenish black. The kernel of the fruit is
edible. The shell around the kernel is very hard.
Distribution: It is native to NE Australia. It grows in tropical rainforests. It requires well
drained soil and plenty of moisture. It is sensitive to drought and frost.
Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed.
Production: Seedlings grow quickly. In Australia flowering occurs from March to June and
fruit are mature in July to October.
Use: The kernel of the fruit is eaten.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible
part
Moisture
%
Energy
KJ
Protein
g
Kernel 37.6 1000 2.3
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Importance:
Calcium
mg
Iron
mg
proVit A
µg
proVit C
mg
Zinc
mg