Belembing darah is a native of Borneo and is known by many local names. It can be seen growing in Borneo in the tropical primary and secondary riverine and non-riverine rain forests on laterite soils starting from sea level and going upto 800 m above mean sea level. It looks quite similar to tampoi (Baccaurea macrocarpa) but tastes better than that fruit and also has more flesh.
A perennial medium sized tree, 6-21 m tall.
Leaves elliptic to obovate, 12-40 cm by 4-14 cm, thick, coriaceous, with cuneate to acuminate apex, dark green and borne on 2-12.5 cm petioleswith glabrous to hairy stipules.
The fruits, though also tasting sour from some trees, are edible and contain protein, carbohydrates, fibre, minerals and vitamin C. Both arriloodes and the pericarp constitute the edible portion
These are eaten fresh and cooked as various vegetable dishes in Borneo. Juice is also made from arillodes and when served chilled, it makes a very good thirst quenching and refreshing drink.
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