Bignay Tree (Antidesma bunius)

• Scientific Name: Antidesma bunius — Bignay, also called Chinese laurel or currant tree.

• Native Home: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and northern Australia.

• Height: Usually 3–10 m, sometimes taller.

• Lifespan: A perennial tree that can live for many years; exact lifespan is not well documented.

  Antidesma bunius

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Uses and Harvesting

• Timber: Hard wood used locally; bark has been used to make rope.

• Harvesting: Small berries are picked as they ripen from red to dark purple or black.

• Age to Harvest: Often around 3–5 years with suitable propagation and growing conditions.

• Products: Fresh berries, juice, jam, jelly, and wine.

History and Global Production

• Traditional Use: Berries are eaten fresh or prepared as preserves and drinks.

• Global Spread: Cultivated in parts of Asia and other tropical and subtropical regions, but remains a minor fruit crop.