Mootty Fruit (Red, Seedling) Fruit Plant

Mootty fruit, scientifically known as Baccaurea motleyana, is commonly called rambi or rambai and is known as “mootty” in Malayalam. It is a tropical forest fruit mainly found in wild regions of Kerala, especially in districts such as Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, and Wayanad.

The mootty tree is an evergreen species that typically grows 9 to 12 meters in height, with a short trunk and a wide, spreading crown. Its leaves are glossy green on the upper surface and greenish-brown with fine hair underneath, reaching up to 33 cm in length and 15 cm in width.

The species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Both flower types are fragrant and have yellow sepals. The male (staminate) racemes may reach up to 15 cm in length, while the female (pistillate) inflorescences can grow up to 75 cm long. The fruits develop in strands and are about 2 to 5 cm long and around 2 cm wide.

Each fruit has a velvety skin that ranges from pinkish to yellow or brown and becomes wrinkled when ripe. Inside, it contains whitish pulp with 3 to 5 seeds. The pulp has a sweet to slightly acidic taste and is consumed fresh or used in cooking, jams, and wine production.

Mootty trees begin bearing fruit approximately four years after planting. In addition to fruit production, the tree is also valued for shade and low-quality timber.

Traditionally, Baccaurea motleyana is considered to have medicinal importance in folk practices. It has been used in the treatment of various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections, highlighting its role in traditional healthcare systems as well as forest biodiversity.