Common Name: Sombra De Touro

General Information

Sombra de touro is a thorny, deciduous tree with a low crown; it can grow 3 - 6 metres tall. The short, crooked bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[, ].
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild and consumed locally, though it is not widely appreciated[]. The plant also has local medicinal uses.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

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

Habitat

Grasslands and gallery forests[, ]. Most commonly found growing near rivers in wet, turfy soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of the subtropics to the tropics.
Prefers a sunny position[].
A slow-growing tree[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The thin-skinned fruit has a very succulent pulp with a sweet, pleasant flavour[]. The fruits are about 3cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves is used as a treatment for high fevers[].
The leaves are used externally to dress ulcers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A natural pioneer species within its native range, also producing an edible fruit, though the tree's slow growth limit its use in reforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, hard, rather resistant to rot[]. Of limited use because of its small dimensions, though its resistance to rot make it useful for fence posts and sleepers[].
The wood is a good fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. Germination rates are usually low, with the seeds sprouting within 60 - 80 days[]. Seedlings grow away slowly[].

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