Common Name: Uxi

General Information

Uxi is an evergreen tree with a globose crown; it can grow 20 - 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 60 - 90cm in diameter[, ].
The edible fruit is very popular within the plants native range, where it is commonly harvested from the wild, often cultivated in both home gardens and orchards, and also widely sold in local markets[, , ]. The tree also produces a useful timber.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern Brazil.

Habitat

Primary rainforests, on land that does not get inundated[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in the dappled shade of a woodland[]. It can be cultivated in semi-open areas[].
Plants are relatively slow growing, taking 15 years or more before it starts flowering and producing fruit[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. An agreeable flavour and aroma[]. It can be used to make a tasty ice cream, or can be eaten with manioc flour[, ]. The fruit has a thin, oily, aromatic and resinous pulp with 1 - 2 seeds[]. The fruit is about 6 x 4cm[].

The pulp yields 8 - 10% of a yellow oil that is excellent for cooking[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, heavy, with excellent mechanical properties and very durable when exposed to the elements[]. It is used mainly for cabinet making, poles, stakes and railway ties[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in individual containers in a lightly shaded position[]. A high rate of germination can be expected, though it can take 9 months or more before the seed sprouts[]. The seed may benefit from scarification before sowing, in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.

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