Ber

Ber is a small tree or shrub 3–10 m tall with usually thorny branches; its oval leaves have toothed margins, a glossy upper surface and three prominent veins. Small greenish-yellow flowers grow in axillary clusters. The drupe is spherical to oval, 2–5 cm long, green and crisp when unripe, ripening to glossy yellow-orange to reddish-brown; the flesh is crisp white and sweet-tart with one hard stone.

Ber originated in South and Southeast Asia and is grown throughout the dry tropics; in Vietnam it is cultivated mainly in the central and southern regions. The fruit is eaten fresh, candied, dried, made into jam or juice; the leaves and roots are used in folk medicine (sedative, digestive), and the wood for carpentry. It tolerates drought well and suits arid areas.