Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav) DC

Kacang almond (Bunchosia armeniaca) is a shrub or small tree up to 10 meters tall from the Malpighiaceae family that originates from Bolivia and Northern Brazil. Its sweet fruit flesh is typically eaten raw or used as a food flavoring. Kacang almond leaves have proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and are also traditionally believed to lower cholesterol.

Bunchosia armeniaca is a low to medium elevation plant in tropical regions at elevations of 100-2,600 m asl. Kacang almond is somewhat cold-hardy, succeeds in most soil types in full sunshine and should not be placed in overly shaded spots. This plant can begin producing fruit within just two years from seed. Trees can flower and produce fruit almost year-round in suitable climates, with several fruit crops usually produced each year. Grows well in fertile (organic-matter-rich) loamy soil with good drainage.

• Stem woody, its branches grow straight and spreading.
• Leaves opposite, ovate with a wavy margin. Primary and secondary veins prominent.
• Flowers emerge from the leaf axils, in a simple raceme 8-15 m long. Hermaphroditic flowers, with a pedicel 0.5-1 cm long, tube-shaped covered with granules with a diameter of 1.5 cm. Calyx 5-parted, 5-6 cm long, oval-shaped, base long and narrowing, margin serrated. Has 10 monadelphous stamens with centered filaments, and open anthers. Individual flowers bright yellow and lightly scented.
• Fruit ovate with a pointed tip, about 3 cm long, ripening from green to orange or red.
• Seeds two seeds enclosed in one fruit.

This plant can be propagated generatively (seeds) or vegetatively (cuttings and layering). Seed propagation has a high success rate because almond bean seeds germinate easily. After seeds are removed they must be planted quickly as their germination capacity will decrease.

Flavonoids (rutin, isoquercitrin, afzelin), alkaloids, fatty acids, phenols, saponins, tannins, phytosterols, triterpenoids, steroids, glycosides, phenolic compounds.

Treats various diseases including infections and inflammation, a diet or weight-loss snack, increases male libido, lowers cholesterol. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.

• Prepare almond bean seeds, wash until clean with running water then drain.
• Dry under direct sunlight for several days or with an oven at 40 °C until moisture content reaches 10%.
• Store the dried preparation in a clean, airtight container.

Kacang mentega, Kacang amazone.