Hi,

A few years ago I had about 20 seedlings of Salak. They all died because of fungus decease. I just want you to be aware of that they are probably sensitive to fungus as seedlings.

Tomas

I have S. zalacca, S. affinis and S. wallichiana growing, so far all are healthy but with winter approaching it will interesting to see how they handle that. Probably one more year of them coming in the house then maybe start to test a few in the greenhouse after that.

Most salaks are dioecious but I think that different varieties can cross pollinate each other. If not, you are looking at $80 for two plants from TT.

good luck with the hunt,
-Ethan

The Bali variety is supposed to be monoecious. Thailand has several varieties available in the market now and I believe the Bali is one of them. However, a relatively new one is in the markets called Sumalee. It is a cross between the Bali and one of the better Thai varieties...at least that is the belief. It is definitely the favorite over there at this time.

The fruit isn't bad, but it isn't great...at least in my opinion and that of a few others that was with us. No matter what variety it was and where we got, there was always a "medicine-like" after taste associated with it. So it was only an okay fruit for me...nothing I would go out of my way for nor eat more than a few of.

If one has plenty of room for these plants, I think it well worth growing simply because it is an impressive plant and it is pretty cool how the fruit hang on the plant. It would definitely serve as a "keep out" barrier!

mangokush,
Excalibur has large salak trees for sale that have been growing outdoors for the past few years.

You could also buy a Salak seedling from me that's about the same size as the one in the pic for the same $40.

I have been thinking about trying a few of these for a while. I know they are not hardy, but does anyone know what the lowest temps they can take are?

I read hardy up until 50. I know it grows in the ground here so it seems borderline tropical sub-tropical.

Rare or not...TT asking $40 for that small plant is just ludicrous. Like their "rare" $150 maprang seedling. They operate on the assumption that everyone out here are idiots. Based on the size of that seedling, you should find a seed source for the varieties you want. They will sprout and be that size in no time.

I'll beat Sheehan's offer by $20!!!

Today only, for the low low price of just $19.99, operators are waiting,

CALL NOW!

-E

We saw some growing in PR but they had fruited earlier in the year so no fruit. Very beautiful plants.

I had some growing years ago, sent back to me from Malaysia, I believe. Tasted a few of them (not the ones I grew) and did not find the experience enjoyable. Here's a quote from the internet that I think gives you some idea:

The salak is a native of Indonesia and named for its scaly brown skin. Salak is also grown in Thailand and Malaysia. Salak grows at the base of a short palm tree. Salak has thin and strong skin but it is easily peeled. Three or four segments are included in its flesh, which is quite dry, crunchy, and tangy due to high tannin content. The flavor of Salak is quite different. Taste of salak is depends on its cultivars, some are semi-sweet, dry and crunchy but some are slightly juicy, soft and acidic. Taste of salak is different and unusual from other common fruits. You can smell the sourish aroma of salak fruit, if you put salak in an enclosed room.

The high tanin content is what I remember. I am not a big fan of tanin....to put it mildly. Interesting horticulturally though.

I think this is a favorite fruit for Sheehan....enough said.

Harry

tanin is definitely not a friend of my palette either Harry, i think i found out why this one has remained so exotic.

"I think this is a favorite fruit for Sheehan....enough said." Harry

LOL. I guess it's off the list then.

tanin leaves an aftertaste that ruins the flavor. im not a big fan of Mauritius or Hak Ip lychees either

Lol. You're absolutely right Harry. While reading the description you posted I was thinking about how good the fruit sounds. I think I am definitely going to try and grow one in the ground now.

Mangokush,
The offer of a nice healthy slightly chlorotic 8" salak seedling for $40 still stands.

Not sure if you saw this but it seems like a good price.

Here is a link that might be useful: ebay