Pouteria macrophylla
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pouteria macrophylla |
| Common names | Cutite; Abiu-cutite |
| Genus | Pouteria |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Growth form | Semi-deciduous forest tree [1] |
| Native range | Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, French Guiana, and Suriname [1] |
| Mature size | Approximately 10–25 m tall [1] |
| Climate/site | Warm, humid tropical lowland forest; non-flooded sites and forest–savanna transitions [2] |
| Propagation | Fresh seed; sow in semishade [1] |
| Fruit | Edible raw; thick, starchy, slightly sweet pulp around 1–2 seeds [3] |
| Harvest | Pick ripe fruit for fresh eating; a documented harvest season is not established [3] |
| Years to fruit | N/A; a 7–10 year maturity estimate is not documented as a fruiting interval [4] |
Pouteria macrophylla is a tropical fruit tree known as cutite. GBIF accepts the species name Pouteria macrophylla, while taxonomic treatments differ over its synonymy; the accepted GBIF match is used here [5] [6]. The fruit is eaten fresh and the species is associated with lowland forests in northern South America [2].
Description[edit | edit source]
Pouteria macrophylla is a semi-deciduous tree with an elongate crown. Reports place it at about 10–25 m tall, with a straight cylindrical trunk approximately 20–45 cm in diameter [1]. Its native range includes Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, French Guiana, and Suriname. It occurs in rainforest that does not become seasonally inundated, as well as areas transitioning toward grassland and savanna [1].
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
The species is associated with non-flooded lowland forest and secondary forest, so a deep, organic soil with reliable moisture and drainage is a reasonable cultivation setting [2]. Avoid sites that remain inundated for long periods. Species-specific soil-pH and irrigation thresholds are not documented.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Pouteria macrophylla is reported to succeed in full sun or dappled shade [1]. Warm conditions and humid air suit its lowland tropical habitat; young plants benefit from steady moisture and shelter while establishing [2].
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The tree is semi-deciduous, so some leaf loss can occur during a drier part of the annual cycle [1]. Maintain moisture during active growth and reduce stress from prolonged drought. A species-specific flowering calendar is not established.
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Sow fresh seed in individual pots in semishade. Germination is reported at approximately four to five weeks, although the germination rate is normally low [1]. Seeds are reported to lose viability quickly, making prompt sowing preferable [2].
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The species produces fleshy fruits, but a reliable flowering or harvest season is not established. Fruits may reach about 6 cm in length and 4 cm in diameter and contain one or two seeds in thick pulp [3]. Harvest ripe fruit for fresh eating; documented years to fruit are unavailable.
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is eaten raw. Its pulp is described as thick, starchy, and slightly sweet, surrounding one or two seeds [3]. The fruit is consumed by people and animals in the native range [2]. The wood is described as heavy, hard, straight-grained, and durable, with reported use in small construction and fence posts [1].
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
No image credits: no distinct licensed Commons image was verified for this species in this run.