Bignay
Antidesma buniusfam. Myricaceae
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Pl. E916 — Antidesma bunius
Antidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma buniusAntidesma bunius
IOverview
Overview
Bignay, scientifically known as Antidesma bunius, is a small to medium-sized tree native to the tropical regions of Asia, including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, and other Southeast Asian countries. This versatile plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun or shade and prefers light, medium, or heavy clay soils. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, Bignay is a valuable resource in local cuisines and traditional medicine. One distinctive feature of this tree is its ability to grow up to 10 meters tall, making it an attractive ornamental plant as well.
Quick answers
What is Bignay?
Bignay, scientifically known as Antidesma bunius, is a small to medium-sized tree native to the tropical regions of Asia, including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, and other Southeast Asian countries.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bignay thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for subtropical climates. The plant grows up to 10 meters tall and produces edible fruit and leaves. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. Propagate Bignay through seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bignay for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Bignay plant.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Bignay sapling or seeds, potting soil, a container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose one at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a sapling carefully to avoid damaging roots. If using seeds, sow them in moist soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place the plant in partial shade.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide full sun to partial shade.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove dead branches. Harvest fruits when they turn red.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The bignay fruit is commonly eaten raw or used in jams and jellies. The leaves can be consumed fresh or dried for use in teas and soups. Both parts are valued for their sweet-tart flavor.
Other uses:FibertextilesPioneerWind breakerWeaving materialLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
25 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
25 native · 4 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 25 native· 4 introduced
Asia9 regions
native (9)BangladeshChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarPhilippinesSri LankaThailandVietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Sumatera, Andaman Is., Borneo, Christmas I., East Himalaya, Hainan, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Sulawesi
introduced:Marianas, Society Is., Caroline Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
7 related
See also
7 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Myricaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Myricaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e916f442-cc55-4057-8a31-810a6bc5eae6
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