ENGLISH NAME: Matoa Fruit, Crystal Fruit, Island Lychee MALAY NAME: Buah Kristal, Kasai Langsir, Kelisar SPECIES NAME: Pometia pinnata FAMILY: Sapindaceae ORIGIN: Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines, East Indonesia, Papua and the Pacific Islands PLANT DESCRIPTION: A large, fast growing evergreen tree from the lychee family. This exotic tropical fruit tastes like a mix between longan and rambutan. Not only the fruit flesh, extracts of seeds and leaves are also proven to help reduce high blood pressure. KNOWN HAZARD: None known PLANT PARTS USED: Fruits, seeds, leaves, bark and timber EDIBLE USES: • Fruits - The semi-transparent white flesh is aromatic, juicy and sweet with a pleasant flavor. The pulp is enjoyed fresh, added to beverages, or preserved in syrup. • Seeds - The oily seeds are eaten after boiling or roasting. MEDICINAL USES: • A decoction of the leaves or bark is used medicinally against fever and sores. • An infusion of the bark is used as an emetic for mouth infections, colds and mucous congestion, and to treat abdominal pains. • Extracts from seeds and leaves can help lower high blood pressure. OTHER USES: • The gum obtained from the inner bark is used to waterproof canoes. • The wood from the tree is used for furniture and house building. • The fruit is also believed to be a good source for skin care which helps prevent acne. • A hair shampoo is made from the bark. PLANT CARE: • Prefers full sun in well-drained soil with moderate watering. • Regular cutting back or light pruning during fruit collection to stimulate subsequent fruiting. • They can be picked while still green, once they have reached an ideal size or when red and mature with occasional mottling. • The plant can be propagated by seed.