Mootty Fruit (Yellow, 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 found mainly in the 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 tall, featuring a short trunk and a broad, dense 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. The flowers are fragrant with yellow sepals, and the inflorescences vary in length depending on the flower type.

The fruits grow in clusters or strands and are small, about 2 to 5 cm long and around 2 cm wide. They have a velvety skin that ranges in color from pinkish to yellow or brown and becomes wrinkled when ripe. Inside, the fruit contains whitish pulp with 3 to 5 seeds. The pulp offers a sweet to mildly acidic taste and is commonly eaten fresh, though it can also be used in cooking, jams, and even wine preparation.

Mootty trees begin fruiting approximately four years after planting. In addition to their fruit value, the trees are also used for shade and provide low-quality timber.

Traditionally, Baccaurea motleyana is also valued for its medicinal properties. Related species are used in folk medicine to help treat conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections, making the fruit an important part of forest-based biodiversity and traditional health practices.