Litsea garciae

Litsea garciae, commonly known as engkala or Borneo avocado, is a medium to large evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, including Borneo, the Philippines, and the Malay Peninsula. This tree reaches heights of up to 26 meters, with large, glossy leaves and oblate to spherical; globe shapedglobose fruits measuring 2.5 to 4.5 cm in diameter. The thin-skinned fruit transitions from pale green to pink or red when ripe, revealing creamy, white flesh with a rich, milky flavor reminiscent of avocado. The fruit is consumed raw, cooked, or pickled, often prepared by blanching and sprinkling with salt. Thriving in riverine and hillside forests, Litsea garciae is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its antioxidant-rich phytochemicals, medicinal properties, and its seeds, which are used in soap and candle making.