Bignay

Frost Tolerance: Tender in Phoenix, put in warmer location, or protect on coldest nights, seriously damaged at 26°F (-3°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Malaysia

Growth Habits: Evergreen tree to 20 feet (6 m)

Propagation: Seeds, budding, cuttings, layering

The Bignay is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to Malay-Asia. The dark gree and glossy, alternate leaves make the tree an attractive ornamental. The leaves usually are elliptical but are sometimes obovate and measure 4 to 6 inches in length by 2 to 3 inches in width (10-15 by 5-7 cm).

Blooming Habits:
The small petalless flowers are produced on terminal or axillary inflorescences. The flowers have an offensive odor which, however, is not noticeable a short distance from the plant.
Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, but isolated female trees usually fruits abundantly. Limited tests have shown that
The globose or ovoid fruits are about 0.5 inches in diameter and turn a dark purplish red when mature. Each fruit contains a single seed imbedded in a juicy purple red pulp. The acid flavored pulp is not suited for eating out of hand but can be used to make excellent jam or jelly, and a good wine. The fruits are produced in clusters of 20 to 30, but all do not ripen at the same time. The main fruiting season is July through September. The juice stains the fingers and cloting. The fruits are great favorites of birds, which often destroy part of the crop.

(Adapted from an USDA miscellaneous publications.)