Food Plants International

439
Names
English: Thornless rukam Scientific name: Flacourtia inermis Roxb.
Tok pisin: Lovi-lovi Synonyms:
Tok ples: Plant family: Flacourtiaceae
Description: It is a small tree. It grows up to 15 m
high. It is without spines on the trunk. The trunk is
often crooked. Leaves are 10-20 cm long and 5-9 cm
wide. New leaves are deep red. Flowers have both
sexes. The fruit is round, green when young and dark
red when ripe. It is about 2-3 cm across. It has 5 seeds
inside.
Distribution: Trees occur in New Britain in Papua
New Guinea and some other coastal areas. They grow
from sea level up to about 1300 m. They can grown on
a variety of soils.
Cultivation: Trees are mostly grown from seed. It is
better to grow them by marcottage or budding.
Seedlings take up to 18 months to be ready to plant out.
A spacing of 12-16 m apart is needed. Seeds are small.
Production: Fruit is mostly ready about May to July in the Southern hemisphere.
Use: Many kinds have sour fruit so they are often cooked or used for jam, jellies, syrups and
preserves.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible Moisture Energy Protein
part
Fruit
% KJ g
Calcium
mg
Iron
mg
proVit A
µg
proVit C
mg
Insects:
Closteria rubida Druce. Notodontidae (LEP) Caterpillars of moth chewing leaves
Diseases:
Leaf spot probably Fungus
Pests:
Importance: Trees occur occasionally in coastal areas of Papua New Guinea.
Zinc
mg