Kepel (Stelechocarpus burahol (Blume) Hook & Thompson), buah langka khas keraton Yogyakarta: sebuah koleksi Kebun Raya Purwodadi

Kepel is a common name for Stelochocarpus burahol, a plant that spreads naturally in Indonesia. It is a member of Annonaceae with fruit the size of a hand or kepel (Javanese) hence it is called kepel. The plant commonly found in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (a territory ruled by the Sultan), and is designated as a Flora of Provincial Identity. In ancient times kepel was considered as a plant of the royal household. Besides its small flesh the fruit was economically less prospective thus not too attractive to locals. Therefore its current population is quite limited and has begun to be rarely found. Recent studies have shown that the species has potential as medicinal plants for its antioxidant, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. This added value is expected to attract people’s interest to put investment on the plant’s potential future use as well as improving its conservation status.