Parinari excelsa
| Mampa (Parinari excelsa) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Parinari excelsa [1] |
| Common name | Mampa; African nut plum |
| Family | Chrysobalanaceae [1] |
| Order | Malpighiales [1] |
| Genus | Parinari |
| Habit | Fast-growing evergreen tree, usually up to about 45 m [2] |
| Fruit | Brown, ellipsoid, warty drupe about 50 × 32 mm [2] |
Parinari excelsa, commonly called Mampa or African nut plum, is a large evergreen fruit tree of moist tropical settings. It is associated with rainforest and other humid habitats to about 1,000 m, and sandy-soil growth is documented. [3] Its brown, warty drupes contain soft yellowish pulp described as having an avocado-like flavor, although palatability varies by locality. [2]
Description[edit | edit source]
Parinari excelsa is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach about 45 m. It is associated with moist tropical lowlands and uplands to approximately 1,000 m, including rainforest settings. [2] The accepted name is placed in the Chrysobalanaceae; Parinari amazonica, Parinari holstii, Ferolia excelsa and Petrocarya excelsa are recorded synonyms. [1][2]
The fruit is an ellipsoid drupe with a brown, warty surface, about 50 × 32 mm. When fresh, the pulp is yellowish and soft. [2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
The species is recorded from moist tropical habitats, with growth on sandy soils. [2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Rainforest and other humid tropical settings are part of the plant's documented habitat. [2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Parinari excelsa is described as an evergreen tree of moist tropical climates. [2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed is the documented propagation route for Parinari excelsa. [2] The supplied species evidence gives no germination treatment, storage schedule, or dependable bearing-age range, so no more specific nursery protocol is assigned here.
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Bees are recorded as pollinators of the flowers. [2] The fruit is a brown, warty ellipsoid drupe about 50 × 32 mm, with soft yellowish pulp when fresh. [2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
Fresh pulp is described as yellowish, soft and edible, with an avocado-like flavor; acceptance varies by locality. [4] Fermented pulp drinks are recorded, and roasted seeds are used with other foods. Extracted seed fat is described as becoming rancid rapidly. [2] These are documented food-use descriptions, not a complete food-safety or toxicity assessment.
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Parinari excelsa01.jpg — J. Decaisne (draughtsman), Vielle (engraver), Lith. de Roissy; botanical illustration from Florae Senegambiae Tentamen (1833); public domain (PD-old-70); file page.
