The snakefruit tree, scientifically known as Salacca zalacca, is a captivating tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. This exotic tree is renowned for its intriguing reddish-brown, snake-like scales covering the fruit's skin, giving it its name.
The snakefruit's sweet, tangy, and juicy flesh hides beneath this unique exterior, making it a delightful and refreshing tropical delicacy. Known for its distinct appearance and delectable flavor, the snakefruit tree adds an exotic touch to tropical orchards and gardens.
The Snakefruit tree - Salacca zalaccal, may have different names in various languages and regions:
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Indonesian: Salak
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Malay: Salak
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Thai: Salak
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Vietnamese: Chùm ruột
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Filipino: Salakot
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Burmese: Shan-ta-lok
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Khmer: ផ្លែសាឡ
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Lao: ແຜມບີ
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Javanese: Seloko
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Balinese: Selaka
How to take care of a snakefruit tree ?
Pot and Soil:
- Choose a large pot with excellent drainage to accommodate the tree’s growth. Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix.
Sunlight:
- Provide as much sunlight as possible. Place the potted tree in a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. If growing indoors, use grow lights to supplement light.
Temperature:
- Maintain a warm environment. Snakefruit trees are sensitive to cold. Protect the tree from temperatures below 10°C, especially during the winter.
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure proper drainage.
Humidity:
- Snakefruit trees thrive in high humidity. Increase humidity by misting the tree or using a humidifier.
Fertilization:
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pruning:
- Prune the tree to control its size and shape, remove dead or overcrowded branches, and improve air circulation.
Pollination:
- Snakefruit trees are usually self-pollinating. Shake the tree or provide a light breeze to facilitate pollination.
Protection:
- Protect the tree from pests and diseases. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of trouble and address issues promptly.
Harvesting and Processing:
- Harvest Snakefruit when they are fully ripe, indicated by their vibrant color and slightly soft texture. Remove scales and seeds before consumption.
Snakefruit tree
Size and Shape
- Snakefruit is typically small to medium-sized, about 7-10 centimeters (2.8-4 inches) in length.
- It has an elongated, cylindrical shape with a slight curve, resembling a snake’s scales, which gives it its name.
Color and Texture:
- The skin of Snakefruit varies in color but is often reddish-brown to dark brown. The scales on the skin provide a rough, scaly texture, much like reptilian scales.
Pulp:
- The flesh of Snakefruit is sweet and tangy with a hint of astringency. It is juicy and somewhat fibrous, offering a unique flavor profile.
- The color of the pulp ranges from pale yellow to reddish-brown, depending on the variety.
Seeds:
- Each Snakefruit typically contains 1 to 2 large seeds. The seeds are inedible and usually discarded.
Harvesting and Processing:
- Snakefruit is harvested when fully ripe. Ripe fruit has a vibrant, uniform color and a slightly soft texture when gently squeezed. To enjoy Snakefruit, you simply peel away the scaly skin to reveal the edible flesh inside. The seeds are usually removed before consumption.
- Snakefruit is commonly consumed fresh as a snack or used in a variety of culinary applications, such as salads, desserts, or fruit preserves.
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For any inquiries regarding the care of your plant, you can find detailed care instructions here: Plant Care Guide.
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