Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum)

FamilyBurseraceae
Scientific nameCanarium odontophyllum
Common name (English)Dabai
Common name (Malay)/
Identified asIntroduced plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Canarium odontophyllum, commonly known as dabai or Sarawak olive, is a tropical fruit tree in the Burseraceae family. Native to Borneo, it is cultivated for its small, dark purple fruits, which are traditionally eaten boiled, pickled, or processed into oils and preserves. The tree is also valued for its timber and resin in local communities. Traditionally, various parts of the plant—including fruits, seeds, and kernels—have been used in folk medicine for their antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and general health-supporting properties. With its culinary, medicinal, and economic significance, Canarium odontophyllum remains an important species in Bornean home gardens and local markets.