Uvaria rufa

Uvaria rufa
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Magnoliids
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Uvaria
Species: U. rufa
Binomial name
Uvaria rufa
Blume

Uvaria rufa is a species of vines or shrubs commonly known as Susung-kalabaw ('Carabao teats') or Torres Strait scrambler, of the plant family Annonaceae. It grows naturally in Thailand, New Guinea, Philippines, more widely in Malesia and in Cape York Peninsula Australia.[1]

Description

Uvaria rufa are monoecious evergreen trees which grow to a height of 4 to 6 meters.[2] Their deep green leaves are arranged alternately and have a heart-shaped base. The surface are velvety and coarse to the touch. The flowers are small and have deep red waxy petals. The fruits, which appear from May to August, are aggregates of round or oblong berries colored deep orange or a rich red. Each contain numerous seeds encased in a translucent pulp.

Uses

The fruits of Uvaria rufa are edible, having a sharp sweet-sour taste.[3] They are known colloquially as suso ng kalabaw or susung-kalabaw ('Carabao teats') because of its physical appearance.

The wood is also used as a Rattan substitute in making furniture and handicrafts.

See also

References

  1. Hyland, B. P. M.; Whiffin, T.; Zich, F. A. et al. (Dec 2010). "Factsheet – Uvaria rufa". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants. Edition 6.1, online version [RFK 6.1]. Cairns, Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), through its Division of Plant Industry; the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research; the Australian Tropical Herbarium, James Cook University. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  2. "Susung-kalabaw (Uvaria rufa)". http://www.indi-journal.info/ The Indi Journal: A Conservationist's Journal on Philippine Indigenous Flora. Nov 2, 2009. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  3. Marketman (Sep 1, 2007). "Susu ng Kalabaw/Carabao Teats". http://www.marketmanila.com/ Market Manila. Retrieved 16 December 2010.