Mabolo

Mabolo, also known by its scientific name Diospyros blancoi, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Philippines and Taiwan. It is also found in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. The tree is a member of the Ebenaceae family, which also includes other species of ebony and persimmon.

The fruit of the mabolo tree is typically round or oval, measuring about 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. It has a soft, velvety skin that can range in color from red to brown, and a creamy, white to pinkish flesh. The flesh has a distinctive aroma, often described as strong, cheesy, or even reminiscent of fermented fruit. The taste is generally sweet with a slightly tart undertone, and some compare it to a blend of apple, strawberry, and banana. It contains several large seeds.

Mabolo trees are evergreen and can grow up to 20 meters tall. They thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. The tree is cultivated for its edible fruit, which is consumed fresh, made into jams, jellies, or used in culinary dishes. In some traditional medicine practices, parts of the mabolo tree have been used for various remedies, though scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. The wood from the mabolo tree is also hard and durable, similar to ebony, and can be used for furniture or construction.