About Flacourtia inermis Roxb.
Flacourtia inermis Roxb. is a medium-sized, spineless tree that can reach up to 15 metres (49 feet) in height. Mature leaves are oblong-elliptic, glossy on the upper surface, and have toothed margins. They measure approximately 8 to 20 centimetres (3 to 8 inches) long and 3 to 15 centimetres (1 to 6 inches) wide. Young leaves are bright orange to reddish, and turn green as they mature. Fruits grow in bunches and resemble cherries. The fruits are round and shiny, changing from light green to deep red when they ripen, with a diameter of 1 to 3 centimetres (1⁄2 to 1+1⁄4 inches). The fruit flesh is crunchy, with a sour, acidic taste. The fruit contains high levels of 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoic acid, an antimicrobial agent. The fruits are edible when raw or cooked, but are not typically eaten fresh. Instead, they are used to make jams, preserves, and syrups.
