Wongi Plum, Manilkara kauki, is a tropical, fruit bearing tree occurring from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia to Northern Queensland in Australia where it is known also as Caqui. Wongi Plum can reach heights of up to 20 meters, with a dense and almost ovoid crown, although they are most often seen as fairly stunted, windblown specimens.

The leaves of the Manilkara kauki are stiff, leathery, blunt-tipped, spatula-shaped, dark-green on the upper leaf side and pale and silky below bundled in whorls at the ends of branches. Flowers are commonly bisexual, born single or in small clusters in leaf axils.

The edible and very tasty, egg-shaped, orange-red fruit is 3-4 cm long and 2cm in diameter with 1-6 seeds. It turns bright red and soft when ripe. The fully ripe Wongai Plum tastes almost the same as the commercial date. The fruit needs to be stored for several days to allow for the latex to be broken down.

Tree propagation is by seed and cuttings. Blossoming and fruiting happen almost continuously throughout the year. The species is used for rootstock for grafting of zapota ( Manilkara zapota). The flowers and seeds are employed in traditional medicine.

The wood of the Wongi Plum is highly sought after for carving. The tree is capable of living to a great age. It is primarily grown and for its wood which is used for heavy construction bridges, railway pedestal, and telephone poles but also for furniture, flooring and charcoal.

Manilkara kauki is a member of the family Sapotaceae the genus Manilkara. While the plant produces a milky white sap the fruit is edible – one of the few exceptions to the rule stating plants with white sap should never be consumed.

Wongi Plum, Manilkara kauki

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The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.