Torres Strait scrambler

Description:

Uvaria rufa is a species of vines or shrubs commonly known as Susung-kalabaw ('Carabao teats') or Torres Strait scrambler, of the plant family Annonaceae. It grows naturally in Thailand, New Guinea, Philippines, more widely in Malesia and in Cape York Peninsula Australia. Uvaria rufa are monoecious evergreen trees which grow to a height of 4 to 6 meters.Their deep green leaves are arranged alternately and have a heart-shaped base. The surface are velvety and coarse to the touch. The flowers are small and have deep red waxy petals. The fruits, which appear from May to August, are aggregates of round or oblong berries colored deep orange or a rich red. The fruits of Uvaria rufa are edible, having a sharp sweet-sour taste. The fruit is covered with velvety green skin that turns red when ripens. Inside the fruit are black seeds covered with white flesh. They are known colloquially as suso ng kalabaw or susung-kalabaw ('Carabao teats') because of its physical appearance. In the Philippines woody vine is also used as a Rattan substitute in making furniture and handicrafts.

Habitat:

Tropical forest, lowland forest and populated areas.