Morphology and study of local fruit potential of Namnam (Cynometra cauliflora) collection of Purwodadi Botanical Garden, East Java

Abstract

Abstract. Datumaya SCP, Angio MH. 2023. Morphology and study of local fruit potential of Namnam (Cynometra cauliflora) collection of Purwodadi Botanical Garden, East Java. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 9: 153-157. Cynometra cauliflora belongs to the Fabaceae tribe, known as the namnam fruit, and is believed to be native to Indonesia. Namnam fruit distribution covers the islands of Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. Namnam fruit has relatively little flesh with large seed sizes, making it less attractive to the wider community. This causes the existence of namnam fruit to be limited and difficult to find. The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphology and study the potential of the Namnam fruit. The methods used in this study included data inventory, direct observation of collection plants, and literature studies regarding the potential utilization of namnam fruit. The results showed that the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens had 12 plant collections. From the results of the morphological characterization, the namnam plant has a round stem shape, monopodial branching, and an upright growth direction. The leaves have a compound arrangement, elongated shape, glossy surface, pinnate spines, and smooth texture. The fruit grows on the main stem, is a single true, flat shape, wavy fruit surface, yellowish brown, and tastes slightly sweet and sour. Recent studies have shown that every part of this plant has potential as a medicine because it contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These potentials are expected to increase public interest so that it can improve its conservation status.