Pouteria procera
| Pouteria procera [1][5] | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pouteria procera |
| Genus | Pouteria [2] |
| Family | Sapotaceae [2] |
| Order | Ericales [2] |
| Native range | Humid-tropical South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela [4] |
| Habit | Semideciduous rainforest canopy tree, 20–40 m tall, with a small crown and basal prop roots [4] |
| Fruit | Greeny-yellow, globose fruit to 4 cm across, with 1–2 large seeds [4] |
Pouteria procera is a large, semideciduous tree of humid-tropical rainforest. Regional vernacular records include maparajuba, maparajuba-vermelha, maparajúba-vermelha and massaranduba; these names vary by locality rather than identifying one universal common name. [3]
Description[edit | edit source]
The tree is described as 20–40 m tall, with a small crown and frequent basal prop roots. Its natural settings can include rainforest areas that are inundated seasonally. [4]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
The species is associated with humid tropical rainforest and locations that may experience seasonal inundation. Begin with a humid tropical site that can maintain moisture during active growth, while adjusting irrigation as the tree passes through its semideciduous seasonal cycle. [4]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Full sun or dappled shade are both described for cultivation. Dappled shade reflects the canopy setting, while full sun is also a documented option in humid-tropical cultivation. [4]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Pouteria procera is semideciduous, so seasonal leaf loss should be expected rather than treating the tree as continuously evergreen. Its native rainforest settings may be seasonally inundated, linking active-growth moisture to a distinct seasonal rhythm. [4]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Use fresh seed, sowing it in partial shade in individual containers. Germination may be below 30%, with emergence in 60–90 days; these figures apply to this seed method and are not a guaranteed result. [4]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The fruit is described as globose and greeny-yellow, reaching up to 4 cm across, with one or two large seeds. [4]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The pulp is described as sweet and farinaceous. The fruit is reported as eaten raw or made into preserves. [4]