Karuka
Karuka
Karuka (pronunciation: /kəˈruːkə/) is a common name for the plant species Pandanus julianettii, native to the highlands of Papua New Guinea. It is a significant source of food in the region, with both the fruit and the nut being consumed.
Etymology
The term "Karuka" is derived from the local language of the Papua New Guinea highlands. The exact etymological origins are unknown, but it is believed to be an ancient term, deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions.
Description
The Karuka plant is a type of Pandanus or screw pine. It is a tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The fruit of the Karuka is a large, segmented drupe that turns bright orange when ripe. The nut, which is also edible, is found inside the segments of the fruit.
Cultivation and Use
Karuka is traditionally cultivated in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The fruit is typically harvested when it is ripe and can be eaten raw or cooked. The nut is also harvested and can be eaten raw, cooked, or used in traditional medicines.
Related Terms
- Pandanus: A genus of monocots with some 750 accepted species. They are palm-like, dioecious trees and shrubs native to the Old World tropics and subtropics.
- Drupe: In botany, a drupe is an indehiscent fruit in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a single shell of hardened endocarp with a seed inside.
- Monocots: One of two major groups of flowering plants, or "angiosperms", traditionally recognized as a group.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Karuka
- Wikipedia's article - Karuka
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