Gmelina (Gmelina arborea)

Family: Lamiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Gmelina arborea or Gmelina is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can be found in India, parts of Southeast Asia, China, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. It reaches a height of about 30 m and trunk diameter of usually 50 cm. The crown is large and shady. The dark purple to yellow ovoid drupe fruit is edible with a bitter-sweet taste.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

aromatic, succulent flesh. — The fruit is edible.; The yellow fruit is an obovoid drupe, 18 - 25mm long with an aromatic, succulent flesh.; The flowers are mixed with rice to make a delicious cake-like festive dish that is eaten on the traditional New Year.

Habitat & North American Range

Occurs in a variety of forest habitats, including tropical semi-evergreen, sub-montane, very moist teak forests, deciduous, sal and dry teak forests. It also occurs in Syzygium parkland and low alluvial savannah woodland. (Zone 9)