This name is not universally accepted. We are following the treatment in the online Flora do Brasil 2012, but some other treatments accept the genus Rollinia, in which case the correct name for this species would be Rollinia sylvatica (A.St.-Hil.) Mart.[].

Common Name: Araticum Do Mato

General Information

Araticum do mato is an evergreen tree growing 6 - 8 metres tall[]. The bole can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
The edible fruit is mainly gathered from the wild for local use, though it is also sometimes cultivated[]. The tree also has local medicinal uses and is the source of wood and fibre.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Forests[]. Secondary growth in a wide range of forests, growing particularly well in highland, semideciduous forests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, where it is found at elevations from sea level to higher elevations in the Brazilian highlands[]. It might possibly tolerate some frost[].

Freshly planted young trees usually establish well and grow away rapidly, often reaching 3.5 metres or more within 2 years[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A sweet, succulent pulp, but with a large amount of fairly large seeds[]. The fruit is around 4cm x 4cm[].

Medicinal

The leaves are antitussive, antispasmodic and febrifuge. They are used in the treatment of dysentery, aphthae and sore throats[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing tree that produces a plentiful supply of fruit for the indigenous species, it is a good species to choose as part of a reforestry project for restoring natural forest[].

Other Uses

Fibres in the bark are used for making ropes[].

The wood is very light, soft, satin-smooth, solidly compacted and of low natural durability[]. It is used for building canoes and small boats, internal work, ceiling boards, general carpentry, sculpture, making household objects etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, germination rates drop when seed is 3 months or more old[]. The seed germinated better if it is scarified by carefully nicking the seedcoat to allow ingress of moisture, but being careful not to damage the embryo[]. Sow the seed in light shade in a nursery seedbed or in containers. Germination rates are usually in excess of 60%, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 60 days[]. Nursery bed seedlings should be potted up into individual pots once they are 4 - 6cm tall. Plant out into permanent positions about 6 months later[].

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