Gayam

Gayam (Inocarpus fagifer) is a leguminous plant whose fruit can be consumed. This tree is commonly planted as a shade tree, and naturally grows close to swamps, ponds, sandy beaches or springs. The gayam tree is thought to be native to Indonesia before spreading to various tropical regions in the Asian Pacific region. This plant grows in the humid tropical lowlands to a height of 500 m above sea level, even in nutrient-poor soils, and can be planted for erosion control. It grows up to 20 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 65 cm, and produces small, fragrant white flowers.   The gayam fruit resembles a kidney-shaped pod with a hard rind. The fruit contains flat, white beans. The fruit passes from green to brown to yellow as it ripens. The ripe fruit cannot be eaten raw, but must be soaked then boiled in water, chopped, and fried or baked before being consumed. Fried gayam chips are popular among tourists.   The name “gayam” in Javanese translates to gayuh ayem, meaning “finding peace.” The tree is called for the sense of calm it provides in an environment, and it is ability to draw water to the surface; the availability of water means peace and prosperity for mankind. The trees were once common in remote villages in Bantul and Sleman districts, but now are difficult to find. It can still be found in parts of Bantul where gayam chips are popular. In general, however, the market for the fruit is small as few people have the tree planted at their homes. Fruits that have fallen from trees though, may be collected by anyone, though this habit is most common in rural areas.   Gayam trees are not considered profitable because the seeds obtained from the fruit are small in size. Overripe fruits are quickly attacked by ants and rot if not harvested at the right time. Other trees have suffered and died due to overharvesting of their bark, believed to treat various diseases. Others still have simply been cut when they became large enough to shade out other plants. Increased information about the cultural and culinary significance of gayam in southern Java would mean more attention to the preservation of this species.