Dracontomelon Costatum (Pitanak)

Dracontomelon costatum, also known as the sour fruit tree or locally known as Marang Burung or Sepitir, is a tropical fruit plant native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, which includes mango, cashew, and pistachio trees.

The fruit of the Dracontomelon costatum tree is a small, round or oblong berry, about 1-2 centimeters in diameter. It has a thin, tough skin that is yellowish-green in color when ripe and is covered in small, soft hairs. The flesh of the fruit is white, juicy, and has a sour, tangy taste. The fruit contains a hard, inedible seed in the center.

The Dracontomelon costatum tree is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has large, glossy, green leaves that can be up to 50 centimeters long and 25 centimeters wide. The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers that bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months.

The Dracontomelon costatum tree is commonly grown for its fruit, which is used in a variety of culinary dishes in Southeast Asia. The fruit is often used to make pickles, preserves, and sauces, and is also eaten fresh. The sour taste of the fruit is often used to flavor fish and meat dishes, and the fruit is also used to make refreshing drinks and desserts.

In addition to its culinary uses, the Dracontomelon costatum tree has several medicinal properties. The bark of the tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, fever, and respiratory infections. The leaves and fruit of the tree contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that can help protect against cellular damage.

Overall, the Dracontomelon costatum tree is a valuable plant that offers both culinary and medicinal benefits. Its sour fruit is a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes, and the tree itself is a beautiful addition to any tropical landscape.