One fairly recent publication (Nuevo Cat. Fl. Vasc. Venezuela. Fundación Instituto Botánico de Venezuela, Caracas. Hokche, O., P. E. Berry & O. Huber. 2008.) has used Sloanea ptariana Steyerm., as the correct name for this species (treated here as a synonym)[].

Common Name:

General Information

Sloanea picapica is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 metres tall. The stout bole is very irregular with thick, wall-like buttress roots up to 2 metres tall that protrude from its base and extend away in all directions. Branching occurs only along the upper third of the bole and the crown produced by them is thick, vividly green, and finely textured - though often haphazardly shaped[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its edible seed and also for its wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Peru, Colombia; C. America - Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras.

Habitat

Wet and humid lowland forests, favouring water-saturated soils with poor drainage and often found near or beside small streams[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Seed - a sweet flavour[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The dark brown wood is hard. It resists rotting even when in contact with the soil or with water[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates immediately upon falling from the tree[].

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