Pouteria ramiflora
| Image | 
|
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pouteria ramiflora |
| Common names | Curriola; grão-de-galo |
| Genus | Pouteria |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Growth form | Semideciduous tree |
| Native range | Eastern, central, and northern Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia |
| Mature size | About 15–30 m, with site variation |
| Climate and site | Seasonal tropical climates; sandy soils, semideciduous forest, and forest–savanna transition |
| Propagation | Fresh seed in individual pots |
| Fruit | Pear-shaped, about 6 × 4 cm; soft white flesh around 1–2 large seeds |
| Harvest | Gather ripe fruit from the tree for local raw consumption |
| Years to fruit | N/A |
Pouteria ramiflora is a semideciduous South American tree known as curriola or grão-de-galo. GBIF accepts the name in Sapotaceae, order Ericales.[1] It occurs in seasonal habitats of Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia and bears an edible fruit gathered locally from wild trees.[2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The tree develops a globose crown and is reported at roughly 15–30 m tall, with dimensions varying by site.[2] Its range includes eastern, central, and northern Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is associated with barren lands, semideciduous forests, and transitions between forest and savanna.[3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
A sandy soil suits the species. Established plants are drought tolerant, but young plants need steady moisture while roots establish; avoid prolonged saturation in containers or heavy ground.[4] The native seasonal-dry setting favors free drainage and an irrigation rhythm that becomes more conservative during the dry season.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Full sun is preferred for growth. Open, airy positions are more suitable than permanently enclosed shade; plants in humid climates still require drainage and airflow.[4]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The species is semideciduous, so some leaf loss can occur during seasonal dryness. Reduce irrigation as the dry season develops, then increase it when active growth resumes. Flowering and fruiting dates vary by region, and a fixed calendar is not established.[3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in individual pots. Germination is usually reported after about 3–6 weeks, although the germination rate is normally low.[5] Keep the medium evenly moist but well drained during germination; a species-specific temperature protocol is not established.
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The pear-shaped fruit is reported at about 6 cm long and 4 cm wide. It contains one or two large seeds surrounded by soft, white, slightly sweet flesh.[6] Ripe fruit is gathered from wild trees for local consumption. Years from planting to fruiting and a dependable harvest season are not established, so nursery plants should be monitored rather than assigned a fixed schedule.
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is eaten raw when ripe. It is not widely appreciated, and no medicinal use or known hazard is established for the species.[7] The species is also described as a possible landscape tree, while its wood has been used for boards, interior finishing, construction, toys, and boxes.[2]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Pouteria ramiflora.jpg — João Medeiros; Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0). Attribution: João Medeiros.
- Flickr - João de Deus Medeiros - Pouteria ramiflora.jpg — João Medeiros; Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0). Attribution: João Medeiros.
