Alupag (Bud) Fruit Plant

Alupag is an evergreen fruit-bearing tree native to the Philippines and belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is closely related to lychee and longan and produces small, edible fruits that are locally appreciated for their sweet, juicy pulp.

The tree typically grows to a height of about 7–10 meters and remains evergreen throughout the year. Its leaves are compound and alternate, reaching up to 30 cm in length, with 6–9 pairs of leathery leaflets. The upper surface of the leaves is glossy green, while the underside is lighter in color.

The flowers are small, whitish, and hermaphroditic, forming on terminal or axillary panicles. Fruit size ranges from about 2.5 to 4 cm. The outer skin is rough, brownish, and somewhat warty in appearance. Inside, the fruit contains a semi-transparent, whitish, juicy pulp surrounding a single large black seed.

The fruit is generally consumed fresh, though it can also be processed or canned. While it is valued in its native regions, it is less widely cultivated compared to its relatives such as lychee and longan.