Dracontomelon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dracontomelon |
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| Fruits of Dracontomelon duperreanum | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Spondiadoideae |
| Genus: | Dracontomelon Blume, 1850. |
Dracontomelon is a group of flowering plants, mostly trees, found in places like Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. They belong to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes plants like mangoes and cashews! The fruits from these trees are often used in cooking, especially to add a sour taste to dishes. In Vietnamese, this plant is called chi sấu.
Contents
What are Dracontomelon Trees?
Dracontomelon trees are known for their useful fruits. These trees grow well in warm, tropical areas. They are an important part of the plant life in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and China, as well as many Pacific islands.
Types of Dracontomelon Plants
There are several different kinds, or species, of Dracontomelon trees. Each species has its own unique features and places where it grows best. Here are some of the well-known species:
- Dracontomelon costatum – Found in Borneo and Sumatra.
- Dracontomelon dao – Grows across Southeast Asia all the way to the Solomon Islands.
- Dracontomelon duperreanum – Common in southern China and Vietnam. This is one of the most famous types!
- Dracontomelon vitiense – Found on islands like Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga.
How People Use Dracontomelon Fruits
The fruits of Dracontomelon trees are very popular in local food. The most commonly eaten type is from the Dracontomelon duperreanum tree. People in Cambodia, Vietnam, and China enjoy this fruit.
In Vietnamese, the fruit is called quả sấu. It's used in many ways:
- For a Sour Taste: The fruit is often used as a souring agent. This means it adds a tangy, sour flavor to dishes, much like how lemons are used in other parts of the world.
- As a Sweet Treat: The fruit can also be made into a candied snack. This sweet and sour treat is very popular, especially among young people. It's a bit like the Japanese umeboshi, which are pickled plums.
In Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, the cây sấu (Dracontomelon duperreanum tree) is a common sight in the city. Its fruit is a big part of Vietnamese cooking. In Chinese, this fruit is known as 仁面.
Images for kids
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Dracontomelon duperreanum fruit.
See also
In Spanish: Dracontomelon para niños
