Common Name:

General Information

Melicoccus espiritosantensis is a semideciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown; it can grow 7 - 15 metres tall. The grooved bole can be 25 - 35cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood. It has been recommended for use in landscaping[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

An understorey tree in the Atlantic and coastal rainforests, most commonly in dense, primary formations and only occasionally in the more open, secondary growth[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	11.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun to fairly dense, dappled shade[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth[].
Plants fruit irregularly, with good crops every 2 - 4 years[].
The fruit is attractive to birds[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. A thin, succulent pulp with a sweet-acidulous flavour[]. The ovoid fruit can be up to 3cm long and 2cm wide, containing a single, large seed[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, irregular-grained, moderately heavy, hard to cut, with good resistance to wood-eating organisms. It can be used for external purposes where a durable timber is required, and is also used for making turned objects[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 60 - 90 days[].

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