Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the sweet fruits and spread them in the forest. Numerous morphotypes are
distinguished by farmers according to the colour, size and taste of their fruits. In
Vanuatu, a few morphotypes have very large fruits. In general, the species in
Vanuatu exhibits greater morphological variation in morphotypes than appears
to be found elsewhere in the region.
The tree can be propagated from a germinated seedling or a cutting of a
branch planted in rich and moist soil. It is rarely cultivated in Papua New
Guinea and the Solomon Islands, where it is found wild with smaller, acid,
fibrous fruits. From Vanuatu and further eastwards in Polynesia the golden
apple is cultivated and therefore Vanuatu might be the centre of origin of the
cultivated forms. The fruits are picked up while they are still green and are
eaten raw several days later when they have ripened in the houses. Fruits have
a pleasant, slightly acid taste and can be processed into jams, compotes,
chutneys and condiments.
7.3.10
Syzygium malaccense
Syzygium malaccense
(L.) Merrill & Perry (Malay apple or mountain apple)
grows in most villages up to 500 m.a.s.l. The fruits are spread by bats and the
plant is very rare in dense forests. In most of the villages of Vanuatu, farmers
can distinguish up to six different morphotypes according to the colour, size
and taste of the fruits. Surprisingly, some morphotypes have flowers that are
completely white while most of the forms present characteristic bright purple or
fuchsia pink flowers. The cultivar with white flowers is very popular in Vanuatu
because its fruits are sweeter and less infested with maggots when ripe.
Wildings of preferred morphotypes are transplanted close to homesteads or are
planted as ripe fruits. The fruits do not keep well but they can be traded when
picked before full maturity. In most cases, they are eaten raw as soon as they
are picked. Their taste and flavour are highly variable; some may be
completely insipid while others are sweet and scented. They are, however,
always refreshing.
7.3.11
Terminalia catappa
Terminalia catappa
L. (the sea almond) is particularly abundant along the shore
line up to 400 m.a.s.l., where it is largely spread by birds and bats. Volunteer
plants are transplanted close to the homesteads. Sometimes they are planted in
the centre of the village because of the quality of the shade they provide. The
morphology of the leaves and fruits shows great variability in Vanuatu. The
trees are very productive but the quality of the kernels is very variable.
Harvesting starts when the skin of the fruit turns yellow or red and continues
according to need. Fruits are harvested by knocking them down with a bamboo
pole. The fruit has a delicate flavour and can be eaten raw or roasted.
The nuts are sold in Vanuatu in groceries as dried products that are
convenient to store. Kernels are sold in the market threaded on to the midrib of
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