Flacourtia rukam Zoll. & Mor.,
in Mor. Syst. Verz. (1846)
Latin for the local name of this species.
Synonyms
Flacourtia edulis Griff., Flacourtia euphlebia Merr.,
Flacourtia megaphylla Ridl., Flacourtia peninsula Elm., Flacourtia
rukam var. domestica Ridl., Flacourtia rukam var.
erythrocarpa Ridl., Flacourtia rukam var. myriantha Merr.,
Flacourtia sulcata Elm., Hisingera grandifolia Turcz.
Description
Understorey tree up to 11 m tall and 25 cm dbh. Stem with spines. Stipules
absent. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, glabrous, margin toothed.
Flowers ca. 3 mm diameter, green-white-yellow, placed in short racemes. Fruits
ca. 20 mm diameter, red, ridged fleshy berries with many seeds within yellow
pulp.
Ecology
In slightly disturbed mixed dipterocarp, keranga, peat-swamp and sub-montane
forests up to 1200 m altitude. Common on alluvial swampy sites and riversides as
well as dry hillsides and ridges. Mostly on poor shallow sandy soils and
limestone. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant
tree.
Uses
The fruits are edible.
Distribution
All over the Malesian region. In Borneo found throughout the island.
Local names in Borneo
Rokam, Rukam, Tepetatah.
