Common Name: Siputa

General Information

Siputa is an evergreen tree with a very dense, globose crown; it can grow 4 - 8 metres tall. The short, crooked, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[, ].
The tree produces an edible fruit with a pleasant flavour that is gathered from the wild and consumed locally[]. It is not very popular, however, due to the difficulty of separating the flesh from the seed[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Gallery forests[]. Dry forest areas, more commonly in secondary formations, of northeast Brazil, often in areas subject to periodic inundation[]. Prefers clayey soils, rich in organic matter, or soils well supplied with ground water[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in dappled shade[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A mucilaginous, slightly sweet pulp with a pleasant flavour[]. The pulp is difficult to separate from the seeds[]. The fruit is up to 7cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is fine textured, moderately heavy, hard, with moderate mechanical properties and not very durable. Because of its small dimensions, it is only used locally for applications such as internal work in general construction, rustic furniture, crates and boxes[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate below 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 50 - 60 days[].

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