Pili Nut

Canarium ovatum

Physical Characteristics

Canarium ovatum is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

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Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Oil Seed - raw or cooked. A popular nut. The sweet nuts have a delicious flavour. When raw, their flavour resembles roasted pumpkin seed, when roasted their mild, nutty flavour and tender, crispy texture are superior to the almond[ 301 , 303 ]. They can also be used in confections, ice cream, nut milks etc, and as an adulterant to chocolate[ 301 , 303 ]. The coat surrounding the kernel should be removed since it can cause diarrhoea[ 63 ]. The shell is very thick and difficult to crack, though some thinner shelled forms have been found[ 63 ]. Nutritionally, the kernel contains 71.1% fat, 11.4% protein and 8.4% carbohydrates; it is high in calcium, phosphorus and potassium[ 303 ]. The kernel is a major ingredient in a famous Chinese festive dessert known as the 'moon cake'. However, kernels from some trees may be bitter, fibrous or have a turpentine odour[ 303 ]. The seed keeps very well in storage[ 307 ]. A sweet, light-yellow oil obtained from the seed is used for cooking purposes[ 301 , 303 ]. It is comparable in quality to that of olive oil, containing up to 59% oleic glycerides and 32-59% of palmitic glycerides[ 303 , 310 ]. An oil can be extracted from the fruit pulp[ 301 ]. It has a tangy, resin-like flavour[ 301 ] and can be used for cooking[ 303 ]. The fruit pulp is boiled, seasoned and eaten[ 301 , 303 , 310 ]. Rather tasteless[ 63 ]. It resembles the sweet potato in texture, it is oily (about 12%) and is considered to have food value similar to the avocado[ 303 ]. Young shoots - raw[ 301 ]. Eaten in salads[ 301 , 303 , 310 ].

Medicinal Uses

Malaria Purgative Skin The resin is soft, odorous and has the texture of honey. It was formerly exported for the European pharmaceutical trade as Manila or Philippine gum elemi for use as an ointment for healing wounds and as a plaster[ 303 ]. The bark is used in the treatment of malaria[ 307 ]. The leaves are used in the treatment of vertigo[ 307 ]. Raw nuts are a purgative[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

None known