Hi there! Few weeks ago I went to FRIM and found this interesting tree which has fruits that bear grape-shaped seeds! The tree is pretty eye-catching for its fruit is bright-orange in colour.



I have consulted Dr Khadijah and here's her review on the plant.

" The plant is Sterculia foetida which locally is called Kelumpang or Kalumpang. In English is Calumpang. The plant has wide distribution within the tropical region. The seed of Kelumpang contains oil which currently being studied as source of biofuel.

In Medan - Indonesia, Kelumpang was planted as road side tree and also as the
logo tree for the road toward Polonia airport (the old airport of Medan). As the diameter of trunk is more than 1 meter, I predicted that the tree has been planted more that 50 years ago. If they were planted during the construction of the airport, the age of Kelumpang on this area is estimated about 85 to 90 years old."

Just a light sharing. Do look for this tree when you visit FRIM!Its just a stone throw's away from the main entrance!

I beliee this is Sterculia pariflora as the pos is bright orange. S. foetida has thicker shell and dark in colour.

regards,
koon hup

Hi Koon Hup,

Thanks a lot for the correction. You are correct, it is Sterculia parviflora. In Malaysia it is called kelumpamg burung.

I carelessly overlooked the shape of the leaves and the size of the fruits. In addition to orange skin fruit, Sterculia parvifolia has a single foliage.

Here below is given the photos of leaves and fruit of Sterculia foetida.


Leaves of Sterculia foetida.


Fruit and leaves of Sterculia foetida

Nonetheless, the trees on the road side towards Polonia airport in Medan are certainly Sterculia foetida.