Unseen Benefits of Mountain Bunuelos: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat
In the lush green depths of a natural forest in Moulvibazar, a rare sight was discovered one morning by a birdwatcher. Among the myriad trees and vegetation, a cluster of red-tipped growth caught the eye. Initially mistaken for a flower, this turned out to be a mountain bunuelo – a fruit that combines multiple fruits in one, making it elusive at first glance.
Encountering this mountain bunuelo on the way back from the forest, Shankar Saontal, a middle-aged local laborer, stood tall amidst the dry forest undergrowth, pointing out the location of this unique fruit. With his head held high amid the green canopy, he marveled at nature’s beauty.
When asked about the fruit, he explained that locals call this fruit ‘bondugi.’ These plants grow exclusively in the mountains and are cooked as a vegetable in traditional dishes. Botanist Jinia Nasrin Sumon shared that this is a type of ‘bunuelo,’ primarily found in primary forests or reserve forests. While it used to be more widespread when forests were abundant, now it can be found in Sylhet and mountainous regions. Despite being part of the arum family, these fruits have a unique taste and are not commonly consumed like other arums or yams.
Looking back on childhood memories, Shankar reminisced about hearing his mother say, ‘If you eat that arum, it will stick in your throat.’ This caution stems from the presence of Calcium oxalate in all members of the Araceae family, which can cause a slimy sensation in the throat. While rich in nutrients, these fruits can pose problems for some due to the presence of spathes similar to the venomous snake palm.
In terms of nomenclature, these plants bear the bunuelo fruit and the bunuelo ole fruit. The striking red berries ripen from green to yellow to red. Despite their appealing appearance, these fruits are toxic. Commonly known as Devil’s Tongue, Voodoo Lily, Corpse Flower, or Snake Palm in English, their floral description resembles the Titan arum, earning them the title of ‘corpse flowers’ for their pungent scent.
Describing the inflorescence of the ole plant, Jinia Nasrin Sumon likened the ole flower to the tallest flower on earth. Similar to the Titan arum, it is one of the largest flowers in Bangladesh, with a spathe resembling a snake’s hood. The flowers are referred to as ‘corpse flowers’ due to their putrid smell, which attracts pollinators. The process of pollination involves specific beetles being lured by the scent, entering the flower, and staying inside overnight, ultimately leaving with pollen on their bodies.
Sumon further explained, ‘From that pollination process, these flowers bear beautiful berry-like fruits.’ These fruits are a testament to the intricate ecological interactions within our natural world, highlighting the wonders hidden within the mountain forests of Bangladesh.
