Lipote
Syzygium polycephaloides
Common Names: Lipote, Philippine Lipote
Local Name: Lipote (Filipino/Tagalog)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Philippines (endemic)
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen tree
Variety: Wild species — small dark purple berry
Average Lifespan: 40–60 years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Medium to large evergreen tree with dense rounded canopy |
| Plant Size | 10–20 meters tall |
| Leaves | Opposite, elliptic to oblong, 8–15 cm long, glossy dark green, leathery |
| Flowers | Small, white to cream, clustered in dense terminal or axillary cymes |
| Flower Characteristics | Numerous stamens give fluffy appearance; mildly fragrant; attract bees |
| Fruit | Small round berry, 1–2 cm diameter, juicy flesh with mild sweet-tart flavour |
| Fruit Color | Dark purple to almost black when ripe |
| Seed Characteristics | Single round seed per fruit; recalcitrant (short viability) |
| Root System | Deep taproot with lateral spreading roots |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical lowland to mid-elevation; humid conditions |
| Temperature Range | 24–34°C ideal; frost-intolerant |
| Rainfall Requirement | 1500–3000 mm annually; prefers consistent moisture |
| Soil Type | Rich, well-drained loamy to clay-loam soil |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.5–6.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to partial shade |
| Spacing | 6–8 meters between trees |
| Irrigation Method | Rain-fed in native habitat; supplemental watering in dry periods |
| Water Requirement | Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Not ideal — grows too large; young plants possible in large containers |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | Twice yearly with organic matter |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | Compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mould |
| Pesticide Frequency | Rarely needed; naturally pest-resistant |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil if needed |
| Mulching Practice | Thick organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds |
| Training System | Natural form; minimal training required |
| Pruning Time | After fruiting season |
| How to Prune | Light pruning to remove dead branches and maintain shape |
| Common Pests | Fruit bats, birds (fruit predators rather than insect pests) |
| Common Diseases | Leaf spot, root rot in waterlogged conditions |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Good drainage, avoid waterlogging, remove infected foliage |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | March–May |
| Fruiting Season | June–August |
| Days to Harvest | 60–90 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit turns deep purple-black, softens slightly, sweet aroma |
| Average Yield per Plant | 30–60 kg per tree per year (mature tree) |
| Pollination Type | Insect pollination (bees, flies) |
| Pollination Notes | Self-fertile; bees are primary pollinators |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Pollination Details | Self-fertile; insect-pollinated; flowers attract native bees |
| Propagation by Seeds | Fresh seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks; must be sown immediately (recalcitrant) |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Air layering (marcotting) is the preferred method; roots in 6–10 weeks |
| Propagation by Grafting | Approach grafting on Syzygium rootstock possible |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Moderate; adapted to tropical rainfall patterns |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Dense canopy and root system prevent erosion |
| Organic Practices Used | Minimal inputs needed; grows naturally in forest settings |
| Companion Plants | Other native Philippine fruit trees, ferns, shade-tolerant crops |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Important food source for Philippine fruit bats and birds; supports forest biodiversity |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | Philippines (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao); limited cultivation elsewhere |
| Market Uses | Fresh fruit, local markets, wine-making |
| Processing Uses | Jams, jellies, wine, vinegar |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₱50–100 per kg (Philippines); rarely traded internationally |
🌿 Cultural Significance
| Symbolism | Represents Philippine native biodiversity; valued as heritage fruit |
| Traditional Uses | Fruit eaten fresh or made into wine by indigenous communities; bark used in folk medicine |
🍈 Nutritional Information
| Calories | 35–45 kcal per 100g (estimated) |
| Dietary Fiber | Moderate fiber content |
| Vitamin C | Good source of vitamin C |
| Vitamin A | Present in moderate amounts |
| Iron | Trace amounts |
| Potassium | Present |
| Antioxidants | Rich in anthocyanins (dark purple pigment) |
| Other Key Nutrients | Phenolic compounds, tannins |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Anxiety & Sleep | Not documented |
| Immune Support | Vitamin C and antioxidants support immune function |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory properties |
| Heart Health | Antioxidant-rich fruit may support cardiovascular health |
| Digestive Health | Bark decoction used in folk medicine for stomach ailments |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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