Common Name:

General Information

Plinia edulis is a small, evergreen tree with a dense, pyramidal crown; it can grow 5 - 10 metres tall. The short bole branches from low down and can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[, ].
The edible fruit is greatly appreciated within the plant's native range, where it is gathered from the wild for local use, and is also sometimes cultivated in domestic orchards[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern Argentina, southern Brazil.

Habitat

Lowland on alluvial plains and at the base of moist slopes, usually in dense, primary rainforests[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best with some shade[]. Prefers a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil[]. Plants have a high requirement for iron[].
A slow-growing plant[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. A succulent, fleshy pulp with a delicious, sweet-acidic flavour[]. The fruits are up to 4cm in diameter, containing a single, large seed[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is moderately heavy, elastic, with good mechanical properties, and medium durability. It is suitable for making tool handles and other agricultural tools, precision instruments and cabinet making[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a very short viability and so should be sown as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow the seed in individual containers and keep in a semi-shaded position. Germination rates are usually over 40%, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 100 days[]. The seed usually germinates within 1 month[]. Seedlings grow away slowly, but are usually ready for planting into their permanent positions within 10 months of germinating[].
Cuttings.

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is lesser, 17 or 71?