🐴🥭Horse Mango (Mangifera foetida) also known as Bachang, is a critically endangered species of mango tree, native to Thailand, Vietnam, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo.
🌳The tree may grow up to 40 m tall and can be identified from the glossy and leathery leaves, which have obvious depressed secondary venation. Some studies describe the leaves as stiff and thick cardboard-like. The leaves are simple and arranged in whorls.
🌳 The tree bears copper-red inflorescences (panicles) with tiny pink flowers, that mature into globose, fibrous and stinking drupes. The ripe fruit is strongly scented. The unripe fresh fruit contains an irritant juice which may inflame the lips and mouth if consumed. At maturity the irritant juice is restricted to the skin of the fruit.
The fruits are used in curries, pickles, rojak, and to make chutneys or sweetmeats.
🌳Although the sap of the tree irritates the skin, it is used as a lotion to treat ulcers. The sap is also used in tattooing. The leaves are said to alleviate or prevent fever. Its seeds are used against eczema, scabies, and trichophytosis.
There are currently two individuals of Mangifera foetida listed as Heritage Trees in Singapore. One can be found at MacRitchie Reservoir Park and another at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
🌳ETYMOLOGY
The scientific name Mangifera means mango bearing and
Species foetida means strong smelling, referring to the fruit
Source:
Reference
Plants of Singapore