Photo: TDM
Roscoe is a type of wild fruit that is commonly found in hilly areas but is not well-known in other regions of Bangladesh. The fruit, which resembles grapes in the vineyard, turns red when it ripens.
Previously, Roscoe was not valued much and was sold for only 30–40 taka per kg, or 10–20 taka for 1 taka. However, the fruit is now being sold in the market for 200 to 450 taka per kg, depending on the size.
Lakshmi Kumar Chakma, a resident of Mountala Surya Kumar Karbari neighbourhood in Kutukchari union of Rangamati Sadar upazila, owns a Roscoe vine that has been producing fruit for the past 15 years. He estimates that he will earn Tk 70,000 from selling Roscoe this year alone. He has also planted more vines to propagate this fruit. Roscoe requires large trees for cultivation, and the creeper can grow around mango trees.
The Roscoe fruit vines grow on tall trees in natural forests, and they do not harm the tree. It blooms in November and December and ripens in April and May. The fruit's skin turns as red as blood when it ripens, and it has an attractive appearance.
Tapan Kumar Pal, the additional director of the Hill Region Agriculture Extension Department, stated that no research has been conducted on Roscoe yet. However, the fruit may contain vitamin C and iron. The fruit has a sweet and sour taste, and its juice is red like blood. The climate of Chattanooga's hill tracts is suitable for cultivating Roscoe commercially.
The district agriculture department does not maintain a list of common fruits, and the Roscoe fruit is in danger due to deforestation. Conservation efforts require large native trees to sustain the Roscoe fruit vines.
TDM/MI
