Cordia dichotoma aka Fragrant Manjack

Cordia dichotoma, or clammy cherry, belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This deciduous tree grows across a broad native range. It extends from China and Japan through the Indian subcontinent. It also includes Myanmar, Indochina, Malaysia and Australia. The tree grows in open woods and beside mountain streams. It also occurs in dry, moist, tidal and monsoon forests. The 2019 IUCN assessment lists it as Least Concern.

Most trees reach about 10–13 feet [3–4 metres] tall. Some reach 66 feet [20 metres] or more. The tree has a short trunk and a wide crown. Large trees in Papua New Guinea can have much longer trunks. These may lack branches for 33 feet [10 metres]. Growth is moderate, and the tree sheds its leaves. People grow it for fruit across its native range.

The fruit is a round or egg-shaped drupe. It measures about 0.6 inches across and has an enlarged calyx beneath it. Its glossy skin can be yellow or tinged with pink. The fruit turns black as it ripens. Its sweet flesh then becomes thick and sticky. Each hard stone holds one to four seeds. People eat the fruit fresh or cooked. They also pickle young fruit or cook it as a vegetable. Leaves, flowers and seeds have recorded food uses. Cut kernels have a strong, unpleasant smell but a hazelnut-like taste.

This tree suits tropical and subtropical growing conditions. It grows from sea level to 4,921 feet [1,500 metres]. It tolerates a broad range of soils. Deep, moist sandy loam gives it the conditions it prefers. Older young trees need full light from above. Seedlings and saplings can cope with some shade. Young seedlings are tender to frost. In dry regions, trees depend on streams or low ground for moisture. It has escaped gardens in some places. Its potential to become invasive has raised concern in Hawaii.

The leaves serve as food wraps and plates. The sticky fruit provides material for glue. Seeds yield oil, while the wood supplies fuel and building material. Insects can soon damage the timber. Traditional medicine uses the bark, leaves and fruit for several complaints. Research has found anti-inflammatory activity in compounds from the seeds. These findings do not establish that home treatments are safe. People also use the fruit to stun fish. That use gives no clear measure of risk to people or pets.