Kabau (Archidendron bubalinum) is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae) that grows naturally across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. It is commonly found in lowland rainforests through to upland areas, thriving in both primary forests (undisturbed natural forests) and secondary forests (those regenerating after disturbance). The fruit of kabau comes in flat pods with purplish-brown seeds. With its distinctive aroma, often compared to jengkol, local communities refer to it as “forest jengkol.” Beyond its role as a traditional food, kabau plays an essential part in maintaining the balance of tropical forest ecosystems.
Kabau provides an important energy supply for frugivores such as orangutans, squirrels, long-tailed macaques, and pig-tailed macaques. Several bird species also feed on its fruit. Its presence is especially crucial during seasons when other food sources are scarce. Animals that consume kabau also disperse its seeds across the forest, allowing natural regeneration to take place. This reciprocal relationship underlines kabau’s importance in sustaining forest biodiversity.
In addition to being a food source, kabau trees serve other ecological functions:
- Perches for birds, arboreal pathways for primates, and roosting sites for fruit bats.
- Their dense canopy creates a microclimate that supports surrounding organisms.
- As legumes, kabau enriches soil nitrogen through symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, improving soil fertility for other plants and herbivores.
Recognising its ecological value, Agincourt Resources has initiated kabau cultivation within its nursery facilities. This effort helps secure food and habitat for wildlife while supporting the wider ecological balance that underpins numerous species.
Protecting kabau means protecting the forest and all the life within it a small step with a profound impact on the sustainability of Indonesia’s natural heritage.
