Burahol – burial, Kepel fruit, Keppel fruit, or Kepel apple

The plant is an evergreen, with stiff, elliptical, glossy leaves.^[rx] The fruits of S. burahol grow on the lower part of the trunk,^[rx] on the larger branches.^[rx] They have a spicy flavor akin to that of the mango.^[rx] They are greenish-yellow and oval, 3–4 centimeters (1.2–1.6 in) long.^[rx] The new growth is bright pink or burgundy,^[3] known for producing an edible fruit. One can propagate S. burahol from the seeds of ripe fruit. The fruit of this species has traditionally been known in Java to have value as an oral deodorant. Out of the pulp, seed and peel, the peel has the best adsorbent ability. A 2012 study showed that it reduced the odor of feces by activating the probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium bifidum. Stelechocarpus burahol is also an antihyperuricemic and has traditionally been used to treat gout.^[rx]

This fruit is an identity flora of Daerah Istimewa Jogjakarta. Stelechocarpus burahol was loved by Javanese princesses because it was a symbol of unity and mental and physical integrity. Because it functioned as a deodorant, many common people did not have this tree planted because they believed they would get cursed. That made this tree rare

Burahol also known as Stelechocarpus burahol, Kepel, Kepel fruit, Kepel apple, and Keppel fruit is an annonaceous plant that comes from humid evergreen forests of Southeast Asia. It is well known for its fruit which could be found only in Central Java, Indonesia. This evergreen plant has stiff, glossy, and elliptical leaves. Fruit forms on the lower part of the trunk on larger branches. It resembles a spicy flavor analogous to that of mango. It is greenish-yellow, oval and about 3-4 centimeters long. It could be propagated from the seeds of ripe fruit.

The plant is endemic to Indonesia, Java and is grown in Southeast Asia throughout Malaysia as far as Solomons. The fruit grows straight from the tree trunk and not on branches. It is found in Indonesia and also introduced to parts of South America such as Florida and Honduras. Recently it is introduced to the Philippines and Australia.

It is an endangered species that is cultivated in Indonesia for use in the perfume industry. The fruit possesses diuretic properties which are found to be good for kidneys, prevent the formation of stones, and healthy functions. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and construction.

Plant description

Burahol is a large and erect evergreen tree that measures 25 meters tall with a trunk having 40 cm in diameter with dark grey to brown to black and bark is covered with various thick tubercles.  Leaves are elliptic-oblong to ovate-lanceolate about 12–27 cm × 5–9 cm having distinct midrib. Flowers are unisexual and green turning whitish and fascicled on tubercles. Male flowers are ramiflorous on older branches measuring 1 cm in diameter having 3 ovate deltoid and obtuse sepals and 7-8 mm long imbricate petals in two whorls of three. Fruits are brownish, subglobose to obovoid, juicy about 5-6 cm in diameter with yellow pulp enclosed with 4 to 6 ellipsoid seeds about 3-3.5 cm long.

Traditional uses

• In Indonesia, the fruit pulp is diuretic and used for preventing kidney infection?, or irritation, often causing pain?, swelling?, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation? and is also used as a deodorant for making sweat fragrant.
• The fruit helps to lower the smell of sweat, breath, and urine.

Health Benefits of Burahol

1. The study shows the ability to restore the performance of enzyme production in the liver and assist in regenerating cells from the damaged liver.
2. It accelerates the process of cell regeneration in kidneys and prevents kidney cell damage.
3. It acts as a remedy for gout.
4. It speeds up the process of cell regeneration and also maintains body fitness and keeps a person young.
5. The high content of Vitamin C helps to make skin clean. It cleanses the blood, strengthens the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Culinary uses

• The fruit pulp is eaten and the fruit is sold in local markets in Java.
• Ripe fruit is consumed fresh.

References