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bignay
Scientific Name: Antidesma bunius
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Bignay (Antidesma bunius)
Bignay, scientifically known as Antidesma bunius, is a versatile plant appreciated for its fruit and ornamental qualities. It is known by various common names, including bugnay or bignai, Chinese-laurel, Herbert River-cherry, Queensland-cherry, salamander-tree, wild cherry, and currant tree.
Considerations for Pets
- Bignay produces small, clustered fruits, which may present a choking hazard for small pets if ingested whole.
Considerations for Children
- Bignay produces small, clustered fruits, which may present a choking hazard for young children if ingested whole.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Synonyms: Stilago bunius, Antidesma rumphii, Antidesma dallachyanum
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southeastern Asia, from India to Australia.
- Common and widely distributed in open places and second-growth forests throughout the Philippines.
- Also found in Malaysia and Singapore.
Morphological Characteristics
- Variable plant, ranging from a short, shrubby form (10 to 26 ft or 3-8 m high) to a tall, erect tree approaching 30 meters (approximately 100 feet) in height.
- May have wide-spreading branches forming a dense canopy.
- Bears small, half-inch, dark purple fruits in large clusters.
- Leaves are dark green, glossy, and alternately arranged.
Ecological Role
- Birds are attracted to the sweet berries.
Traditional Uses and Health Benefits
- The fruit is known for its health benefits and is eaten like berries, often with the skin.
- Bignay tea is consumed for its purported health benefits.
- In the Philippines, the fruit is used to make wine.
Quirky Facts
- While sometimes overlooked in India, Bignay fruit enjoys greater popularity in other countries.
- In Chiang Mai, it's called "mamao dong".
- Some consider it a tropical substitute for cranberries.