CentralBinjai2003

Binjai (HT 2003-87)

This Heritage Tree can be found within the Istana grounds.

A tall tree with a thick trunk and branches filled with green leaves, surrounded by other trees, set against a white sky.

📷: Heritage Tree Secretariat

Heritage Tree Information

Reference ID HT 2003-87	Scientific name: Mangifera caesia Family name: Anacardiaceae Girth: 4.23 m @ 1.3 m height Height: 36.5 m	Location Istana grounds (View Map) (opens in new tab)
⛔ Please note that the Istana is not open to the public, except during certain dates. Refer to Istana website for more information. (opens in new tab)

The Binjai is a large tree that grows up to 45 m in height. Its trunk is columnar, without buttresses, and with grey-ish bark that exudes irritant sap. Its crown is dense and dome-shaped, and its leaves are large and leathery.

The tree flowers profusely around April to June, colouring the canopy with light purple inflorescences. Related to Mango (Mangifera indica) (opens in new tab) and Horse Mango (Mangifera foetida) (opens in new tab), the Binjai can be distinguished from the other species by its pale-lilac flowers, and pale-brown, rough-skinned fruits.

The Binjai was commonly planted in villages for its sourish-sweet fruits, which could be eaten as a tamarind substitute, or used as ingredients in sambal or rojak.

For more information on this species, please refer to NParks' Flora & Fauna Web profile. (opens in new tab)