Common Name: Sapucaia Mirim

General Information

Sapucaia mirim is a deciduous tree with a dense, roundish crown; it can grow 12 - 28 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole is 50 - 70cm in diameter[, ].
The edible seeds of this species are often gathered from the wild for local use and are also sold in markets[]. Some attempts to cultivate it have shown early promise[].
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Found mainly in primary forests in well-drained, fertile lands on slopes[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are probably not very fussy as to soil type[]. They prefer a sunny position[], but can also succeed in dappled shade[].
Trees have been known to produce their first crop in less than ten years from seed[].
Unlike the related Brazil nut, which only produces its seeds towards the top of the tree, this species can fruit right down to the lower branches[]. It has been estimated that individual trees could produce about 80 kilos of seeds per year[].
The seeds take 18 months to mature after flowering[].
The fruits, which are suspended from the ends of branches, develop a perfectly fitting 'lid', which drops off as the nuts ripen, thus scattering the seeds[, ]. These fruits have been used as monkey traps. A bait is placed inside the empty fruit, which the monkey puts its hand inside to grab and then finds it cannot withdraw its hand (unless it releases the bait of course)[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw. Rich in oil, they are similar to the Brazil nut in size and shape[]. When ripe, the ivory-white kernels have a delicious flavour with a soft, almost creamy texture[, ]. The seeds are said to be sweeter than Brazil nuts, with a superior flavour and easier to digest[]. A very nutritious seed, containing about 63% oil or fat and 20% protein[]. Seeds are about 5cm long and 2.5cm thick[]. The shell is thin and easily broken, when quite fresh, however, this shell is said to contain a poisonous principle[].

An edible oil can be obtained from the seed[]. Pale yellow in colour, suggestive of almond oil in both taste and smell[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An oil obtained from the seed is used for making soap and as an illuminant[].

The hard wooden 'fruits' that contain the seeds are put to various domestic or kitchen uses[]. By cutting them away slightly at the stalk end they can be made to stand upright[].

The wood is medium-textured, tough, heavy, of good resistance to wood eating organisms[, ]. It is difficult to work, however, so it is not extensively used[]. It can be used for poles, fence posts, bridge structures, stakes, railway ties etc[].
We have no more specific information on the wood of this species. A general description of the wood from this genus is as follows:-
The heartwood is light to dark salmon; the sapwood is creamy-yellow. The texture is medium fine and uniform; the grain fairly straight or slightly interlocked; lustre is mostly low but high in some species; there is no distinctive odour or taste. the wood is reported to be very durable upon exposure to both a white-rot and a brown-rot fungus confirming its reputation for high resistance to decay; it is also highly resistant to dry-wood termites and is reported to be moderately resistant to marine borer attack. It is rated as easy to moderately difficult to air season, depending on species; a slow to rapid drying rate is reported; warp and checking ranged from slight to moderate. The wood is moderately difficult to work because of its high density; however, surfaces obtained in planing, boring, sawing, and shaping were smooth and rated as good to excellent. Silica content varies with species and dulling of cutters is also variable. The wood is used for purposes such as heavy construction, ship keels and beams, railroad crossties, industrial flooring and other uses requiring high impact resistance (wagon wheels, tool handles), turnery[].

Propagation

Seed - it only has a short period of viability so should be sown as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow the seed in individual containers in a lightly shaded position. Germination rates in excess of 50% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 5 - 7 weeks[]. Seedlings are ready for planting into their permanent positions when about 7 - 8 months old[].

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