Malay Lac Tree. Lac tree (Schleichera oleosa)

Family: Sapindaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Schleichera oleosa is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasantly acid flavour. — Young leaves and shoots - raw, cooked in soups or steamed and served with rice.; The ripe fruit is eaten raw.; A pleasantly acid flavour.; Unripe fruits are pickled.

Habitat & North American Range

Occurs spontaneously in dry, mixed deciduous forest and savannah with only scattered trees, sometimes gregariously. Found at elevations from sea level to about 980 metres. (Zone 10)