Terengganu Cherry (Red Shower Tree)

Lepisanthes alata, also known as Terengganu Cherry or locally known as “ceri Kampung”, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a spreading crown with a dense foliage of dark green, glossy leaves. The leaves are compound, with 6-12 pairs of leaflets that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and rough in texture.

The flowers of Lepisanthes alata are small, white to pale yellow, and are arranged in large clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a small, round or oval-shaped berry that measures about 2 cm in diameter. It is green when young and turns reddish-brown or dark purple when ripe. The flesh of the fruit is juicy and sweet with a sour taste, and the seed is large and hard.

Terengganu Cherry is usually eaten fresh, and it can also be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. The fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C and also contains antioxidants that are beneficial for health. The tree is also used for timber, and its bark and leaves have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine for various ailments.