Binjai (HT 2003 86)

Reference ID
HT 2003-86

Scientific name: Mangifera caesia
Family name: Anacardiaceae
Girth: 4.83 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 25.6 m

Location
Binjai Park, within grounds
of House no. 32

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 and Horse Mango, the Binjai can be distinguised 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 here.

Gallery

📷: Heritage Tree Secretariat