Pometia pinnata
Appearance
Pometia pinnata | |
---|---|
![]() | |
in flower, Tonga | |
![]() | |
new growth and developing fruit | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
(unranked): | |
(unranked): | |
(unranked): | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | |
Species: | P. pinnata
|
Binomial name | |
Pometia pinnata |
Pometia pinnata is a large tropical hardwood and fruit tree species, with common names including matoa, taun tree, island lychee, tava, of the plant family Sapindaceae (maple and lychee family).[1]
Naturally widespread, the trees grow through Southeast Asia, Malesia and the Pacific region.[1]
Description
Pometia pinnata grows into tall canopy tree of 40 m (130 ft) tall.[1] It has pinnate leaves. The fruits are green, yellow, or dark red up to 4 cm (1.6 in) long, each with three seeds, surrounded by a fleshy aril.
The fruit is somewhat like a lychee, is edible, and is a popular fruit for eating.
References
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Wikispecies-logo.svg/34px-Wikispecies-logo.svg.png)
Wikispecies has information related to Pometia pinnata.