Bakuri (Platonia insignis)

Family: Clusiaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Commonly known as Bakuri, Platonia insignis, is tropical large tree growing about 25-40 m in height and 1.5 m across. It has a straight trunk, opposite branches, shiny leaves, and large pink flowers. The fruit of Bakuri is yellow when ripe, round, and comprised of thick rind and white flesh. The fruit can either be consumed raw or made into desserts. Bark decoction is used against diarrhea.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant odour and an agreeable, subacid flavour. — Fruit - raw or cooked to make sherbet, ice cream, marmalade or jelly.; The white, pithy pulp has a pleasant odour and an agreeable, subacid flavour.; The fruit is yellow when ripe, nearly round or ovoid, 75 - 125mm wide, weighing up to 900 g.; The rind is yellow, hard, fleshy on the inside, 1 - 2 cm thick, and contains gummy, yellow, resinous latex.

Habitat & North American Range

Seasonally flooded, humid forests. Found mainly in open, transitional vegetation, being rare in the dense forest. (Zone 10)