Litsea garciae/Engkala with the scientific name Litsea Garcia is a jungle plant that is from a family of avocados that is easily found in Sarawak mostly Sibu, Oya, Mukah, and Igan. It has rounded fruits and green-colored leaves. Fruits are green which turns to reddish color when ripened. The stem is broken easily. It grows in the jungle or riverbanks naturally.
| Engkala Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Engkala |
| Scientific Name: | Litsea garciae |
| Origin | Native to Sarawak and Southwest Sabah regions such as Malaysia, Kalimantan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. |
| Colors | Pink or red (Fruit) |
| Shapes | Oblate, globose, Across: 22-30 mm, Diameter: 2.5-4.5 cm (Fruit) |
| Flesh colors | Creamy white |
| Calories | 104 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Copper (288.89%) Manganese (217.39%) Zinc (92.73%) Potassium (7.55%) Iron (6.25%) |
| Health benefits | Skin health, Antioxidant properties, Treats eczema, Cure Diabetes, Prostate health |
Engkala (Litsea Garcia) is a tree that is native to Sarawak and Southwest Sabah regions such as Malaysia, Kalimantan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which is classified under the flowering plant family Lauraceae. Engkala additionally refers to the tree’s fruit which is globose or ovate containing a single seed. They have thin pink or red-skinned and fleshy bodies. This plant is usually cultivated for its edible fruit which has a similar flavor to avocado.
| Name | Engkala |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Litsea garciae |
| Native | Native to Sarawak and Southwest Sabah regions such as Malaysia, Kalimantan, Indonesia and Philippines. |
| Common/English Name | Engkala |
| Name in Other Languages | Borneo: Kangkala, Engkala, Medang, Pangalaban, Ta’ang, Indonesia:– Bangka: Malai, Javanese: Wuru Lilin, Malinau, Punan, Kalimantan: Kelimah, Kalimantan, Lundaye: Bua Talal, Merap, Kalimantan: Kelime, Kelimie , Kalimantan, Kenyah Uma’ Lung: Mail, Malinau, Abai, Kalimantan: Bua’ Vengolobon, Malinau, Berau, Kalimantan: Wi Lahal, Kalimantan, Pua’ Malinau: Kelima, Kalimantan, Leppo’ke’ Malinau: Mali, Pujungan, Leppo’ Ma’ut, Kalimantan: Mali, Pujungan, Uma’ Long, Kalimantan: Mali, Pujungan, Uma’ Lasan, Kalimantan: Beva’ Mali, Mali, Pujungan, Uma’ Badeng, Kalimantan: Mali, Pujungan, Uma’ Bakung, Kalimantan: Kayu Mali, Pujungan, Penan Benalui, Kalimantan: Malei, Mali; Malaysia: Sarawak: Pengalaban Pengolaban, Engkala, Sarawak, Bidayuh: Ta’ang, Sabah: Pengolaban; Philippines:- Bagobo: Kupa, Bikol: Pipi, Tagalog: Bagnolo, Taiwan(Chinese): Lan Yu Mu Jiang Zi |
| Plant Growth Habit | Sub canopy, medium sized, evergreen |
| Plant Size | Height: 10-25 m; Trunk diameter: 40-50 cm |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Branchlets | Stout, sub glabrous |
| Leaf | Alternate, simple, ovate- lanceolate or obovate- lanceolate, glabrous, 25-40 cm by 6-15 cm |
| Flower | Small, yellowish to white, Diameter: 15 mm |
| Fruit shape & size | Oblate, globose, Across: 22-30 mm, Diameter: 2.5-4.5 cm |
| Fruit color | Immature: Pale greenish white Matured: Pink or red |
| Flesh color | Creamy white |
| Fruit peel | Thin |
| Flavor/aroma | Similar to avocado |
| Seed | Single seed, 15-20 mm |
| Health Benefits |
|
| Calories in 100 gm | 104 Kcal. |
| Traditional uses |
|
| Precautions | Engkalak should not be consumed after plucked because it possesses rancid taste and minor itchiness which discomforts the tongue. |
| How to Eat |
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Engkala Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Litsea garciae
| Rank | Scientific Name & (Common Name) |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae (Plants) |
| Subphylum | Euphyllophytina |
| Infraphylum | Radiators |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Superorder | Magnolianae |
| Order | Laurales |
| Suborder | Laurineae |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Tribe | Laureae |
| Genus | Litsea |
| Species | L. garciae |
| Synonyms |
|
The tree grows up to 10-25 m high with a trunk diameter of 40-50 cm. The leaves are arranged alternately, simple, ovate-lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate, glabrous, and 25-40 cm by 6-15 cm. The flowers are small, yellowish to white having a diameter of 15 mm. The fruit is oblate, globose, 22-30 mm across, and 2.5-4.5 cm in diameter. The immature fruit has pale greenish-white skin which turns to pink or red when matured. Each fruit has a single seed of 15-20 mm.
History
In Borneo, it is available all over the island. It is grown in cultivated in Bangka and Java (Indonesia). Its origin is regarded to be in the Philippines. It grows wild in forests that have medium and low altitudes. Engkala is also cultivated in Indonesia in the Mountain region of Java. In Peninsular Malaysia, the fruit is cultivated to a smaller extent.
Nutritional value
100 g of Engkala provides about 104 calories. The same amount covers 7 mg of Calcium, 0.5 mg of Iron, 17 mg of Magnesium, 26 mg of Phosphorus, 355 mg of Potassium, 10.2 ppm of Zinc, 2.6 ppm of Copper, and 5 ppm of Manganese.
Nutritional value of Engkala Raw
Calories 104 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 104 Kcal | N/D |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 7 mg | 0.70% |
| Iron, Fe | 0.5 mg | 6.25% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 17 mg | 4.05% |
| Phosphorus, P | 26 mg | 3.71% |
| Potassium, K | 355 mg | 7.55% |
| Zinc, Zn | 10.2 ppm | 92.73% |
| Copper, Cu | 2.6 ppm | 288.89% |
| Manganese, Mn | 5 ppm | 217.39% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 3.4 mg | 3.78% |
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Health Benefits of Engkala
Some of the health benefits provided by Engkala are:
- Skin health
The studies show that zinc is an effective aid to treat acne and pimples. Zinc promotes the function of white blood cells. White blood cells act as a vital part of the healing process which defends the body from the infections such as ulcers, canker sores, burns, wounds, and surgical incisions. It is also essential for collagen production which is a connective tissue that assists in the regrowth and repair of skin.
- Antioxidant properties
Zinc possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which prevent oxidative stress. It acts as a natural treatment for cancer. Zinc is able to assist the healthy cell division, prevent the mutation of cancerous cells and the growth of tumors. The study shows that the supplements of zinc lower the illness and side effects.
- Treats eczema
It is also called atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic and inflammatory skin disorder that is caused due to a deficiency of zinc. Zinc is essential to healing infections. It helps to heal by restoring its ability. The balance of Zinc in the blood helps to eliminate the irritation.
- Cure diabetes
Zinc is essential to balance the insulin levels in the body which is the hormone that is involved in regulating blood sugar. Zinc stores adequate insulin in the pancreas and release it when the glucose enters the bloodstream. It properly utilizes the digestive enzymes that are essential for insulin in order to bind the cells so that the glucose could be used as a fuel.
- Prostate health
Zinc is required to deal with prostate ailments. Zinc deficiency is the cause of prostate gland enlargement which makes it prone to cancer. Patients with prostate disorders are advised to take 15 mg of zinc regularly. The study shows that the presence of normal amounts of Zinc helps to lower tumor growth.
- Heart health
Zinc is required for the maintenance of healthy cells in the cardiovascular system along with the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. It assists healthy circulation and is a natural aid for high cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Alopecia
Alopecia is a health condition in which one suffers from hair loss. The doctors suggest increasing the intake of zinc. Zinc helps to strengthen the hair which helps to reduce the symptoms of alopecia. The studies show that zinc effectively treats childhood alopecia.
- Liver damage
Zinc supplements help to lower the chances of infection as well as liver damage. Zinc helps to cleanse the liver, reduce liver inflammation, free radical damage, eliminate waste, and assist the absorption of nutrients.
- Treats night blindness
The intake of 150 to 450 mg of Zinc helps to enhance the vision. The foods rich in Zinc are lamb, beef, oysters, crabs, and buckwheat. This food helps people with night blindness. Zinc improves night vision, promotes enzymes that help to lower night blindness.
- Repairs muscles
Zinc has a vital role in the growth and division of cells. Zinc benefits the growth and repairmen of muscles by assisting the body to heal itself and also maintains strength in the skeletal system and muscles. Zinc assists in the release of testosterone, growth of insulin, and hormones which is essential for healthy metabolism and building a muscle mass.
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