Kedondong Kerut

Basic Information

Common Name: Kedondong Kerut
Scientific Name: Dacryodes rostrata
Native Habitat: Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines. It is typically found in primary and secondary rainforests and swamp forests, often in lowland areas.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The story of Dacryodes rostrata, commonly known as Kedondong Kerut or Kembayau in various parts of Southeast Asia, is not one marked by a single dramatic discovery by European botanists, but rather a long history of traditional use and gradual botanical classification within the rich tapestry of tropical biodiversity. Belonging to the Burseraceae family, which also includes the economically significant frankincense and myrrh trees, Dacryodes rostrata is one of many valuable timber and fruit-bearing species in this diverse group found across the tropics.

Indigenous communities throughout its native range have likely known and utilized the fruit of Kedondong Kerut for centuries, if not millennia. These trees are integral components of the forest ecosystem, providing food and habitat for wildlife, and resources for local populations. Traditional knowledge systems hold extensive information about the tree’s growth habits, fruiting cycles, and uses. The fruit, often eaten after being soaked in warm water to soften the flesh and enhance its flavor, is a locally prized delicacy, contributing to regional food security and cultural practices.

Botanical documentation of species like Dacryodes rostrata began in earnest during the colonial era, as European scientists conducted extensive surveys of the flora in newly accessed territories. Species were collected, described, and classified within the burgeoning field of taxonomy. Dacryodes rostrata was formally described as a distinct species, adding it to the scientific record alongside other Dacryodes species found in Africa and Asia. This process was less about “discovery” in the sense of finding something unknown to humanity, and more about cataloging and understanding its place within the global botanical framework.

Unlike some ornamental plants or major agricultural crops, Dacryodes rostrata has not typically been the subject of large-scale commercial cultivation efforts or intensive breeding programs driven by international markets. Its cultivation remains primarily local and regional, often as part of mixed cropping systems or simply harvested from wild or semi-cultivated trees. Specific cultivars or varieties may exist based on differences in fruit quality, yield, or tree characteristics, identified and propagated by local farmers and communities through traditional methods. There isn’t a single famous cultivator or historical figure credited with popularizing it globally; its significance is deeply rooted in its ecological role and its value within the communities where it naturally grows.

Modern interest in Dacryodes rostrata extends beyond local consumption. Researchers are increasingly studying tropical fruits for their nutritional value, potential medicinal properties, and resilience in tropical environments. As interest in sustainable forestry and diversified agriculture grows, species like Kedondong Kerut may receive more attention for their potential in agroforestry systems and as sources of unique flavors and nutrients, ensuring its continued recognition not just in botanical texts, but also in discussions about sustainable food systems.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Dacryodes rostrata is a tropical rainforest tree, exhibiting several adaptations suited to this environment. Like many rainforest trees, it possesses a relatively straight trunk and can grow quite tall, competing for canopy space to access sunlight. Its root system is adapted to moist, but often nutrient-poor, forest soils, likely forming symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi to enhance nutrient uptake. The flowering and fruiting cycles are typically timed to specific seasons within the tropical climate, often triggered by changes in rainfall or temperature, ensuring successful pollination and seed dispersal by forest animals which are attracted to the fleshy fruit. The fruit itself is an adaptation for dispersal; its edible pulp provides a reward for animals, which then carry the seed away from the parent tree before depositing it, reducing competition.

Propagation Methods

Propagation of Dacryodes rostrata is primarily done by seed. Seeds should be sown relatively fresh as viability can decrease rapidly. They require warm, moist conditions to germinate. Vegetative propagation methods such as grafting or budding can also be used, particularly to replicate desirable traits from specific high-yielding or high-quality fruit trees. Air layering might also be possible, though less common than seed propagation or grafting for establishing commercial or backyard trees.

Toxicology

Dacryodes rostrata, commonly known for its edible fruit (Kedondong Kerut or Kembayau), is generally considered non-toxic to humans and common household pets like cats and dogs. The fruit is a traditional food source in its native region and there are no widely reported cases of toxicity from ingestion of any part of the plant. As with any plant, individual sensitivities can occur, but the primary use of this plant is centered around its safe, edible fruit.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Fruit Flies (can damage ripening fruit)
• Scale insects (can infest stems and leaves)
• Aphids (can feed on young growth)
• Trunk borers (can damage the main trunk of mature trees)

Diseases:

• Fungal leaf spots (often exacerbated by high humidity and poor air circulation)
• Root rot (typically occurs in waterlogged or poorly drained soil)
• Anthracnose (a fungal disease affecting leaves and fruit)

Other:

• Poor fruit set: Can be caused by lack of pollinators, insufficient light, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Leaf yellowing (Chlorosis): Often indicates nutrient deficiency (e.g., iron, nitrogen) or issues with soil pH hindering nutrient uptake.
• Slow growth: May be due to insufficient light, water, nutrients, or temperature stress.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

Within its native range in Southeast Asia, Dacryodes rostrata is not typically considered a “rare” plant in the sense of being endangered or difficult to find in the wild, though specific local populations might face threats from deforestation. It is relatively common in suitable forest habitats and is cultivated to some extent. Outside of its native region, it is quite rare. It is not a common plant in international horticulture or agriculture and sourcing seeds or seedlings can be challenging for enthusiasts in other parts of the world, making it rare in cultivation abroad.

Value:

The value of a Dacryodes rostrata specimen is primarily derived from its potential to produce the prized Kedondong Kerut fruit. Factors influencing value include:

• Fruit Yield and Quality: Trees known for high yields or particularly tasty fruit command higher value.
• Maturity and Size: Mature, fruit-bearing trees are more valuable than seedlings. Larger trees may fetch higher prices, especially if established.
• Health and Condition: A healthy, vigorous tree free from pests and diseases is more valuable.
• Provenance: Trees from specific regions known for quality fruit or potentially named local varieties might be more desirable.
• Market Demand: In areas where the fruit is popular, the value of fruit-producing trees is higher. For collectors outside the native range, its value is in its novelty and the challenge of growing a tropical fruit tree.