Manilkara kauki – Wongi Plum (plant)

Description

Manilkara kauki is a plant in the Sapotaceae family and is the type species for the genus Manilkara. It occurs in tropical Asia from Indo-China (Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) to Maesia (Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea); and also in northern Queensland in Australia. In Java, the plant is called sawo kacik, and is associated with the royal Javanese ritual. Throughout the world it is known generally by the name caqui, but in Australia it is called wongi or wongai.

The fruit of Wongi tastes very fine when fully ripe and is a bit like a date with a pear crispness. Our seeds come directly from Bamaga on Cape York, Australia.

Care and Cultivation of Manilkara kauki

Manilkara kauki like a well drained soil and a protected position. A tropical species, it should be kept in a pot until large enough to deal with cooler temperatures. Ours are growing well in our subtropical climate and will go in the ground this coming summer. Further comments on the general hardiness of this species are welcome.

1 plant