Question 1

What is Sandoricum koetjape called in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka, Sandoricum koetjape is commonly referred to as santol, a name shared across much of South and Southeast Asia. It may also appear in local markets under Sinhala-language descriptions that translate loosely as 'cotton fruit', reflecting the texture of the rind.

Question 2

Is santol fruit good for health?

Accepted Answer

Santol fruit contains dietary fibre, vitamin C, and minerals including iron and calcium. In Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic tradition, various parts of the tree — including the bark and roots — are used to support digestive health and treat fever. The fruit is generally considered beneficial when consumed as part of a varied diet.

Question 3

When is santol season in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Santol fruit is typically available in Sri Lanka between June and October, though the precise season varies by location and cultivar. The fruit is most commonly found at roadside stalls and local markets in the Wet Zone provinces during this period.

Question 4

What part of the santol tree is used medicinally?

Accepted Answer

Multiple parts of Sandoricum koetjape have traditional medicinal applications. The bark is used for its astringent properties to treat digestive complaints, the roots are used in formulations for fever and skin conditions, and the leaves are applied externally for muscle pain. The fruit rind's high tannin content also gives it astringent uses.

Question 5

How do you eat a santol fruit?

Accepted Answer

Santol is typically eaten by cutting through the thick rind and then sucking the pulp from the large seeds, as the flesh clings firmly and is difficult to separate cleanly. Ripe fruit is mildly sweet and tart, while unripe fruit is sharply sour and more often used in cooking, pickles, or curries.

Question 6

Where can I find santol trees in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Santol trees are most commonly found in home gardens and small farms across Sri Lanka's Wet Zone, particularly in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces. The tree is a cultivated species rather than a wild forest tree, so it is rarely encountered in natural reserves.

Question 7

Is Sandoricum koetjape the same as santol?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sandoricum koetjape is the accepted scientific (binomial) name for the tree commonly called santol throughout South and Southeast Asia. The species belongs to the mahogany family, Meliaceae, and is the sole widely cultivated species in its genus.