Gardening with Tropical Fruit

The Rukam

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

The Rukam (Flacourtia rukam) is an interesting low shrub-like tree which is native to the Philippines and Malaysia. It grows usually less than 25 feet in height and often branches near the base of the trunk giving it a shrub-like appearance. The leaves are 6 to 9 inches long and are dark green above and a pale green on the under surface with deeply serrated edges.

It’s an easy to grow tree and produces small clusters of flowers and fruits which are very similar to governor’s plum and are dark purple when ripe and about 3/4 of an inch in diameter. The pulp is usually very juicy but sour and contains many small seeds and although it can be eaten raw it is more often used to make jellies and preserves.

In Malaya the tender young leaves are often eaten in salads. Like other members of this group the Rukam usually comes separate male and female trees and trees of both sexes should be planted to insure good fruit set. Trees can be propagated by seed, root suckers or by air layering.

The Rukam seems to have good cold tolerance and does not get injured until temperatures get down below 30 degrees. It’s salt tolerance is unknown since there are few planted near exposed salt conditions along ocean areas or intracoastal areas. Trees are adapted for a wide range of soil conditions, although they prefer acid sands for best growth.

There are few insects or disease problems of this tree and availability is probably the most limiting factor in growing it.