Dracontamelon edule
ANACARDIACEAE. Endemic. Vulnerable
SIZE: Up to 25m tall; trunk size 60cm diameter
TYPE: Semi-deciduous
HABITAT: Luzon to Mindanao, in lowland primary forests along river banks or on hills
The tree’s scientific name “edule” means “edible” and “enjoyable” in Latin etymology. The lamio’s seed kernel, flowers and leaves are edible. The lamio is a relative of the mango tree, but a closer relative is the dao, sharing the same genus. Unfortunately both species are becoming rare in their natural habitats.