Appearance & recognition
Petai is a large legume tree with finely divided, twice-pinnate leaves. Rounded flower heads hang on long stalks and develop into elongated green pods. The edible seeds lie inside those pods, not in a fleshy fruit like binjai. This form connects petai with Fabaceae, despite a market appearance unlike the familiar small garden bean.
Sources & references · 1
National Parks Board Singapore · Parkia speciosa — Flora & Fauna WebEdible parts, flavour & texture
The green seeds have a pronounced sulphurous, garlicky aroma and firm texture. They are used as a savoury ingredient, often with spicy seasonings, rather than as sweet fruit. Regional dishes and household preferences vary. The tree’s nocturnal flower visitors add an ecological side to its food story, but a general record of bat pollination does not identify a particular bat species.
