Is the Sterculia monosperma of the Sterculiaceae family a fruit? Whether the fruit is edible, plus price, benefits and how to eat it

Sterculia monosperma, also known as "phoenix eye fruit", is a common evergreen tree of the Sterculiaceae family in the Guangdong region. It is cultivated because its fruit is edible and it has high ornamental value, but it is rarely seen at present, so it is hard to eat even if you want to. So is Sterculia monosperma a fruit? Is the fruit edible? Generally how much is it per jin? What benefits and effects does it have? How do you eat it?

Sterculia monosperma is not a common fruit; it is the fruit of the Sterculia monosperma tree. Generally there are 2 or 3 kernels in one pod, and this is the edible part. Its seeds are edible, and the roasted seeds taste like chestnuts. It is native to China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and other places. In China, south of Guangdong it is often planted as a courtyard tree, and its wood is light and tough and can be made into utensils. In Guangdong custom, the fruit of Sterculia monosperma is an offering for the Seventh Sister's Birthday, and if there is none, the fruit of Sterculia lanceolata is used instead. Because the annual output of Sterculia monosperma is small, and the sacrificial custom has declined, there are few orchards planting it in large quantities, and only scattered planting is done.

Market price:

1. On the market it is generally about 20 yuan per jin, and prices vary in different regions.

2. Sterculia monosperma, an evergreen tree of the Sterculiaceae family, also called "phoenix eye fruit", has long elliptical leaves; it blooms in early summer, with no corolla, pink calyx, and panicles; the fruit is divided into four or five follicles, dark red outside and lacquer black inside.

Benefits and effects:

The fruit of Sterculia monosperma is rich in nutrients, containing vitamin A, protein, crude fiber, phosphorus, calcium and so on. It can store and provide heat energy and maintain the energy necessary for brain function; it regulates fat metabolism, provides dietary fiber, saves protein, strengthens intestinal function, clears heat and warms the stomach, treats roundworms, stops vomiting, nourishes the liver and gallbladder, improves eyesight and removes eye films, relieves cough and reduces fever, relieves restlessness and reduces internal heat, and has dispersing and astringent effects; it can treat bloody dysentery, skin ulcers and other ailments.

The fruit of Sterculia monosperma contains important substances that make up the body, can provide our body with heat energy, and can also maintain the brain. Its calories are not high either, and it also regulates fat metabolism. As a fruit, it is rich in dietary fiber.

It is worth mentioning that the fruit of Sterculia monosperma is also rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A improves eyesight, assists in treating many eye diseases, enhances immunity, clears free radicals, promotes growth and development, and protects the mucous membranes of the stomach and respiratory tract.

How to eat it?

Ripe Sterculia monosperma actually does not need special processing; it can be dried in the sun and directly sold as a commodity. Of course, there are many ways to eat Sterculia monosperma; whether steamed, boiled, roasted or braised, it has a distinctive flavor. Let us talk about boiling it: just cook it in clear water, then peel out the milky white kernel inside. It tastes like a chestnut, with a fresh fragrance and sweet, juicy flesh. It is just a pity that the annual output of Sterculia monosperma is relatively small; otherwise it would surely be an excellent delicacy popular around the world. In addition, in southern regions Sterculia monosperma is also used in dishes, such as braised pork with phoenix eye fruit, braised chicken with phoenix eye fruit, and so on.

Planting tips:

1. Fertilization

Young Sterculia monosperma trees are generally fertilized 4 to 6 times a year, once every 2 to 3 months, with either organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer. Adult fruiting trees need more nutrients. To prevent the tree from weakening, fertilize more than 2 times a year.

2. Management

Sterculia monosperma trees are tolerant of waterlogging but not drought. During the flowering period and young fruit period, appropriate soil moisture and atmospheric humidity are required, commonly known as “sunny days for mango, rainy days for Sterculia monosperma”.

3. Pruning

If a Sterculia monosperma tree grows vigorously but flowers and fruits little, it must be properly pruned and shaped to facilitate ventilation and light penetration inside the canopy. This can reduce psyllids and the sooty mold they cause, and is also beneficial for flowering and fruit setting.

4. Propagation

1. Seed propagation: before sowing Sterculia monosperma, the sand bed and seeds can be sterilized with thiophanate-methyl or chlorothalonil, and sown by the spot sowing method. After sowing, pay attention to shading and keeping moisture. Buds can appear after 7 days. In the second spring the plants can reach 20 to 40 cm, and they can be transplanted in March to April.

5. Pest and disease control

The main pests and diseases of Sterculia monosperma trees include anthracnose, root rot and psyllid damage. In combination with winter fertilization, do a good job of cleaning the orchard, collect diseased fallen leaves and burn them in a concentrated way, which can reduce sources of infection.