Common Name:

General Information

Byrsonima basiloba is an evergreen tree with a rather open, pyramidal crown; it can grow 6 - 10 metres tall. The bole is often contorted, it can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
The fruit is harvested from the wild for local consumption and is often sold in local markets[]. The tree also has a useful timber that is used locally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dry savannah[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A slow-growing tree, rarely reaching a height of 2 metres by the end of its second year of growth from seed[].
The tree flowers and fruits almost all year round[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A sweet, yellow pulp surrounding a single, hard seed[]. They can be used to make drinks[]. The orange-yellow, globose fruit is up to 35mm[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood and sapwood are not clearly differentiated. The wood is of medium texture, straight-grained, moderately heavy, of low resistance to rot. It is subject to warping, smooth to the touch and not shiny[]. It is used for internal work in building construction, cabinet making etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, losing viability within 3 months of being harvested[]. Sow the seeds in a lightly shaded position in individual containers. Germination rates are low, often 20% or less, with the seeds being slow to sprout. Seedlings grow away slowly and will take 9 months or more before they are large enough to plant out[].

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