There is some confusion over the correct name of this species. It was first described in the Flora Brasiliensis (produced between 1840 - 1906) and is recognised as a distinct species in Brasil[]. However, internet searches have shown the same name used as a synonym for Spondias purpurea (which has very different fruits) and as a synonym for Spondias dulcis macrocarpa[].

Common Name:

General Information

Spondias macrocarpa is a deciduous tree with an open, more or less rounded crown; it can grow from 8 - 15 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild for local use[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Lower sandy plateaux of the Atlantic forest, found in both primary and secondary formations, preferring areas where the soil is moist and fertile[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in dappled shade[].

Edible Uses

Fruit . Very acid, it is occasionally eaten raw, but is more commonly made into sorbets and juices[, ]. Thin skinned, with a succulent, thin, fibrous flesh that has an acidic flavour[]. The yellow fruit is a globose or ovoid drupe about 2 - 4cm long, containing a single, large seed[, ].

Medicinal

The bark is antispasmodic, astringent, emetic and tonic. It is useful in the treatment of piles and gonorrhoea[].

A decoction of the bark and shoots is used to treat swelling of the feet caused by erysipelas[].

The leaves are a useful treatment for constipation, gastralgia, ophthalmia and laryngitis[].

The flowers are cardiac and stomachic[]. A decoction is used in the treatment of laryngitis, ophthalmia and children's diarrhoea[].

The pulp of the fruit is used in the treatment of cystitis and urethritis[].

The pit of the fruit is used in decoction to treat leucorrhoea[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, cross-grained, light in weight, with poor mechanical properties and very susceptible to rot. It is only used for low value items such as boxes, hardboard filling, linings, toys etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in individual containers. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days[]. Plant out to their permanent positions when the seedlings are 25 - 35cm tall[].

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