Santol (fruit)

Taxobox
name = Santol

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image_width = 240px
image_caption =
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Sapindales
familia = Meliaceae
genus = "Sandoricum"
species = "S. koetjape"
binomial = "Sandoricum koetjape"
binomial_authority = Merr.The santol ("Sandoricum koetjape", syn. "S. indicum" and "S. nervosum") is a tropical fruit grown in southeast Asia.

The tree and its fruit has several common names in many languages, including gratawn (กระท้อน) in Thai, kompem reach in Khmer, tong in Lao, donka in Sinhalese, and wild mangosteen in English and faux mangoustanier in French.

Origin and distribution

The Santol is believed native to former Indochina and Peninsular Malaysia, and to have been introduced into India, Borneo, Indonesia, the Moluccas, Mauritius, and the Philippines where it has become naturalized. It is commonly cultivated throughout these regions and the fruits are seasonally abundant in the local markets.

Botanical description

There are two varieties of santol fruit, previously considered two different species, the yellow variety and the red. Both types have a skin that may be a thin peel to a thicker rind. It is edible and contains a milky juice. The pulp may be sweet or sour and contains inedible brown seeds.

The fruit grows on a fast-growing tree that may reach 150 feet in height. It bears ribbed leaves and pink or yellow-green flowers about 1 centimeter long.

Uses

The ripe fruits are harvested by climbing the tree and plucking by hand, alternatively a long stick with a forked end may be used to twist the fruits off. It is eaten raw and plain or with spices added. It is also cooked and candied or made into marmalade. Santol seeds are inedible and may cause complications such as intestinal perforation if swallowed. [ [http://www.surgeons.or.th/ejournal/files/Vol25_No3_91.PDF Abstract29th-25/3 ] ]

The wood of the tree is useful for construction, being plentiful and usually easy to work and polish. It makes a good shade tree. The leaves and bark have been used medicinally as a poultice. Several parts of the plant may have anti-inflammatory effects, [Rasadah, M. A. et al (2004). Anti-inflammatory agents from "Sandoricum koetjape" Merr. "Phytomedicine". 11:2 261-3.] and some chemical extracts from santol stems have shown anti-cancer properties in vitro. [Norito Kaneda, et al. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1517737 "Plant Anticancer Agents, L. Cytotoxic Triterpenes from Sandoricum koetjape Stems".] Journal of Natural Products 55 (May 1992): 654–659.] Extracts from santol seeds have insecticidal properties. [ [http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids_references&therow=288853 Limonoid antifeedants from seed of Sandoricum koetjape ] ]

External links

* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/santol.html Horticultural Info]
* [http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Sandoricum%20koetjape GRIN Page]

References