Common Name:

General Information

Citharexylum solanaceum is a spiny shrub or small tree with a sparse crown; it can grow up to 9 metres tall. The cylindrical bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood, it may also have an edible fruit. It can be grown as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest and Araucaria forest, growing in both dense, primary forest and in the more open, secondary formations, preferring clay soils on well-drained slopes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Found in the wild in well-drained, clay soils[].
Young plants have a rapid rate of growth[].
The fruits are attractive to the native fauna[].

Edible Uses

The fruit has a succulent, sweetish pulp[]. This report does not say that the fruit is edible[]. The red, globose fruit can be uo to 28mm in diameter, containing 1 - 3 seeds[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing tree that succeeds in full sun, is easy to propagate and provides food for the native fauna; it can be used as a pioneer for restoring native woodland[].

Other Uses

The wood is coarse-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, with poor mechanical properties and susceptible to the attacks of wood-eating organisms. Because of its small size it is generally only used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of more than 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 60 - 80 days[].

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