Canarium indicum aka Canarium Nut

Canarium indicum is a large evergreen tree in the Burseraceae family. Common names include galip nut, ngali, and kenari nut. Its native range runs from Maluku to Vanuatu. This includes New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It grows in lowland rainforests, often near the coast. People also plant it around villages for food and shade.

The tree grows fast and forms a dense, broad crown. Sources place its usual height at 82–115 feet [25–35 metres]. Exceptional trees reach 131 feet [40 metres]. Its spread can reach 66 feet [20 metres]. The straight trunk can reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. Tall, thin buttresses support its base. Each leaf has three to seven smooth, oblong leaflets. Its thick crown casts deep shade over a wide area.

The fruits are oval drupes that hold valued, oil-rich seeds. People eat the kernels raw, roasted, smoked, or cooked. They also grind them into other foods. Roasted kernels keep for months in sealed containers. The seeds yield an edible oil used instead of coconut oil. Do not eat the seed coat, which can cause diarrhoea. The sources list no other known hazards. The tree is not self-fertile. The evidence gives no flowering season or flower details.

This tree needs a warm tropical climate for outdoor growth. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Its home climate has mean yearly temperatures of 25–28°C. Rainfall ranges from 1,800 to 4,000 millimetres each year. Trees prefer moist, fertile soil that drains well. Loam and clay suit them; shallow, poor, or salty soils do not. They grow across a broad range of soil pH. Young trees grow best with some shade. Older trees fruit best with little or no shade. They tolerate drought, including dry seasons lasting up to four months.

Galip nut has a long history in Melanesian food forests. Its wind resistance makes it useful in tall shelterbelts. Growers also use it as an ornamental and shade tree. Wounds in the trunk release a scented resin. People have used this resin as incense, canoe sealant, and lighting fuel. The soft wood serves for light building work and fuel. It does not last well when exposed to weather. Traditional medicine uses bark preparations for chest pain. Sources flag weed potential but give no level of risk. They name no specific pests or diseases.