A variable species, several distinct forms have been recognised.

Common Name: Uvaia

General Information

Uvaia is an evergreen shrub or tree with a small, open crown; it can grow 5 - 15 metres tall. The erect bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[, , ].
The edible fruits are greatly appreciated in Brazil, where the plant is widely cultivated in home gardens and orchards, both for its fruit and as an ornamental tree[, , , ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern, central and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Open, semi-deciduous forests at moderate elevations and also in open Araucaria forests[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier areas in the tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations from 300 - 1,500 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 26°c, but can tolerate 15 - 30°c[]. Plants are tolerant of occasional light frosts[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 450 - 600mm, but tolerates 300 - 800mm[].
Succeeds in full sun or part day shade[]. Adaptable to a range of soil types, but intolerant of alkaline soils[]. Prefers a well-drained soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5 - 8[]. Prefers high levels of organic matter in the soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A slow-growing plant, rarely reaching 2 metres tall after 2 years[].
Seedling plants can start producing fruit when 3 - 4 years old[].

Edible Uses

The fruit is edible[]. A pleasant aroma with a sweet but insipid flavour[, ]. The fruits have a thick, very succulent pulp with a sweet or acid flavour according to variety[]. It is eaten fresh, made into juices, jellies etc[, , ]. The yellow, aromatic fruit varies in shape from globose to pear-shaped, and in size from 4cm in diameter to 8cm long by 6cm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is of medium texture, moderately heavy, hard, very durable[]. It is only used locally for items such as fence posts and poles[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a viability of 60 days or less and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of around 40% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 40 days[]. Seedlings are quite slow to develop, but should be ready to plant out 10 - 11 months later[].

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