Wild Edible Tree 7 - Kasai

Kasai or its scientific names Pometia pinnata, is the family of  Sapindaceae, such as lychee, longan and rambutan.

It is a large forest tree that can reach a height up to 18 meters. Its trunk's diameter could reach 100 cm, depending on the location of environmental conditions. It can be found in secondary forests up to 1000 m altitude.

Also known as Matoa in Indonesia and Tava (Samoa) can grow well in dry soil with a natural distribution in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.

When young, the fruit is light green and clumps like longan fruit. Over time, pieces will change to red shampoo gingery up dusky red when fully ripe.

Fruit skin is quite fragile and easily broken if bitten. The flesh is very thin and clear white-like longan pulp. It tastes very sweet but not easily cracked from fruit seeds.

 In the old days, its bark is used for treating fishing nets to be more durable. Fishing nets are dipped and soaked into the stock of dried bark to prevent the nets from decay.