Pometia pinnata | |
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in flower, Tonga | |
new growth and developing fruit | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Rosids |
Order: | Sapindales |
Family: | Sapindaceae |
Genus: | Pometia |
Species: | P. pinnata |
Binomial name | |
Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. |
Pometia pinnata is a large tropical hardwood and fruit tree species, with common names including matoa, taun tree, island lychee, tava, of the plant family Sapindaceae (maple and lychee family).
Naturally widespread, the trees grow through Southeast Asia, Malesia and the Pacific region.
Pometia pinnata grows into tall canopy tree of 40 m (130 ft) tall. It has pinnate leaves. The fruits are green, yellow, or dark red up to 4 cm (1.6 in) long, each with three seeds, surrounded by a fleshy aril.
The fruit is somewhat like a lychee, is edible, and is a popular fruit for eating.