Udara / African Star Apple Fruit Plant

Udara, scientifically known as Chrysophyllum albidum and commonly called white star apple, is a tropical forest fruit tree first described by Scottish botanist George Don. It is widely found across tropical Africa. In Nigeria, it is known as Agbalumo among the Yoruba people and Udara in the eastern and southern regions. It is closely related to the African star apple (Chrysophyllum africanum) and the purple star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito). The Chrysophyllum genus includes nearly 80 species found mainly in tropical regions.

Udara is a popular fruit in Nigeria, especially in southern regions, where it is commonly consumed as a snack in both urban and rural areas. The fruit is valued for its sweet-tangy flavor and soft edible pulp.

Udara Fruit Benefits

A typical serving of Udara contains approximately 67 calories, making it a low-calorie fruit suitable for weight management.
It is rich in vitamin C, with 100 g of fruit providing about 25 mg of vitamin C. This supports immune function, heart health, prenatal health, eye health, and helps reduce skin aging.
Udara also supports oral health, helping maintain healthy gums and preventing gum disease and oral infections.
Its sweet and sour taste may help relieve common issues such as constipation, sore throat, toothache, and indigestion.
The bark of the tree is traditionally used in herbal medicine for treating conditions like malaria and yellow fever, while the leaves are used for wounds, stomach ache, and diarrhea. However, the leaves should be used with caution, as excessive intake may be toxic.