Nam Nam (Seedling) Fruit Plant

NamNam fruit, botanically known as Cynometra cauliflora, is an uncommon tropical fruit tree in Singapore. It is native to Malaysia and can also be found across parts of Southeast Asia, India, and Sri Lanka. The plant grows as a many-branched shrub or small tree and may reach up to 15 meters in height.

It belongs to the same plant family as the common groundnut (peanut), which highlights its botanical relationship within the legume group.

The fruit is known for its distinct sour taste when young, with acidity gradually reducing as it ripens. Mature fruits are more palatable and are often used in cooking. NamNam fruit can be prepared as a sweetened compote, added to fruit salads, pickled, or used in spicy dishes such as sambal.

Traditionally, the fruit and its parts are also valued for their medicinal uses in folk practices. The seeds are reported to produce oil, which has been used in India for treating certain skin conditions.

NamNam fruit is also recognized as an iconic native-inspired fruit, sometimes used as a cultural or regional mascot.