Common Name: Sorva

General Information

Couma utilis is a medium-sized, evergreen tree with an ample and dense crown; it can grow from 5 - 20 metres tall with occasional specimens to 25 metres[, , ]. The straight bole can be 40 - 80cm in diameter[].
A very popular fruit in its native range, where it is widely sold in local markets[]. The tree is harvested from the wild for food, medicine and the latex it yields. It is also cultivated for these purposes in Brazil and is grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - lowland Amazonia in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

Habitat

Dense forest of virgin bushes, on flooded or dry land[]. Often grows in dry non-flood zones, in or near fields and grasslands[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of the moist, tropical lowlands where it is found at elevations up to 500 metres[[]. It grows best in areas where the temperature ranges from 20 - 30°c, but is able to tolerate a range from 15 - 35°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 2,000 - 4,000mm, but tolerates from 1,500 - 5,000mm, and is found in areas with a distinct dry season as well as areas of all year round rainfall[].
Succeeds in full sun or dappled shade[]. Grows wild on white sand soils[]. Prefers a pH in the range 4.5 - 6, tolerating from 4 - 6.5[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Trees have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Small and round, looking somewhat like a guava, with an edible sweet, fleshy pulp[, ]. The flavour is like a mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) with a hint of sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)[]. The brown, globose fruit is about 4cm in diameter[].

The latex obtained from the tree has a sweet flavour[]. It is used as a chewing gum and also to flavour drinks[].

Medicinal

The latex obtained from the tree is anthelmintic and antiseptic[]. It is eaten to treat diarrhoea, worms and parasites[, , ].
The latex is applied externally to treat skin irritations[].

Other Uses

A latex is obtained from tapping the tree[, ]. Used traditionally for caulking boats[]. It is used for a variety of industrial purposes, including varnishes, for ceramics, glues etc[, ].

The wood is fine-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, with moderate mechanical properties and of very low durability. It is used in cabinet-making, carpentry and general construction[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a lightly shaded position in a nursery seedbed[[]. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 20 - 40 days[]. Transplant the seedlings into individual containers when 4 - 6cm tall, and plant out 5 - 6 months later[].

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