Bignay
Antidesma bunius
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Description
Bignay (Antidesma bunius) is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching heights of up to 15 meters. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Bignay serves as an excellent understory tree in food forests, providing shade and habitat for various wildlife. Its dense foliage and fruit clusters offer food for birds and other animals, enhancing biodiversity. Bignay is traditionally used in Southeast Asian cultures for its fruit, which is made into jams, jellies, and wines. The tree is also valued for its role in soil stabilization and erosion control, making it a practical choice for windbreaks and hedgerows. In guild design, Bignay pairs well with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and ground covers such as sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) to enhance soil fertility and structure.
Growing Details
Bignay thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Bignay benefits from companion planting with legumes like pigeon pea to enhance soil nitrogen levels. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe for the best flavo
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Antidesma bunius</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Southeast Asia and northern Austral
applicable geo region: Tropical and subtropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of November for 90 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of September
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: The fruits of Bignay are edible and can be eaten fresh or processed into jams, jellies, and wines. They have a tart flavor that is appreciated in various culinary applications. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a nutritious addition to the diet. Harvesting is best done when the fruits are fully ripe, as they continue to ripen after picking.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Bignay has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, including its use as a diuretic and for treating hypertension. The leaves and bark are used in herbal remedies, often prepared as teas or decoctions. It's important to note that while traditional uses are documented, scientific validation of these medicinal properties is limited.
health concerns: Consumption of unripe fruits may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It is advisable to consume only ripe fruits.
other uses: Bignay wood can be used for firewood, and the tree is sometimes planted for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and fruit.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Antidesma bunius
common names: Bignay; Queensland cherry; Chinese laurel
family: Phyllanthaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Antidesma
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 28ยฐC / 18ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 8.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Dioecious
growth details: Bignay thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Bignay benefits from companion planting with legumes like pigeon pea to enhance soil nitrogen levels. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe for the best flavo
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include fruit flies and aphids. Introduce beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs to control aphid populations. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic pest control measures. Planting marigolds nearby can help deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.
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