Menteng tree or a plant with the Latin name Baccaurea Racemosa is a variable plant ranging from shrubs about 3 meters high to medium-sized trees with dense and irregular crowns, up to 25 meters high and stems can be 25-70cm in diameter.
The Menteng plant is often cultivated, especially in Indonesia, for its edible fruit and is also planted as an ornamental and shade tree.
CHARACTERS OF MENTENG TREE PLANT
The Menteng plant is a lowland tropical forest plant, which is found at an altitude of up to 1,000 meters. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are in the range 21 - 28 ° c, but can tolerate 14 - 34 ° c. It prefers an average annual rainfall of around 2,500mm, but tolerates 1,500 - 4,500mm. Prefers sunny positions, tolerates shade and is able to live in a wide variety of soil types.
BENEFITS AND USE OF MENTENG TREE
- Menteng fruit can be eaten fresh, boiled, salted or fermented. The fruit must be eaten in moderation, or vomiting may occur. Sub-acid, yellow-green or reddish fruit 20 - 24mm in diameter with pink pulp.
AGROFORESTRY USES
- Like other trees that produce flowers and fruit on tree trunks, members of the Pohon Menteng clan are generally considered to be good support trees for climbing rattan trees, which are planted for baskets, woven into furniture, for making rope.
OTHER USES
- The dye is made from the bark and is obtained from the leaves.
- Fiber can be used to make paper.
- Excellent wood is used for the construction of houses and boats and for the manufacture of furniture.
MENTENG TREE CULTIVATION
The Menteng tree can be cultivated through seeds. The seeds when sown fresh, usually germinate within a few days.
