Platonia insignis
| Bacuri (Platonia insignis) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Platonia insignis |
| Common names | Bacuri; Pakuri; Bakuri |
| Genus | Platonia |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Growth form | Evergreen tree |
| Native range | Northern and central South America |
| Mature size | Up to about 25 m |
| Climate and site | Moist lowland tropics; humid forest and open transitional vegetation |
| Propagation | Fresh seed, sown promptly in partial shade |
| Fruit | Yellow, nearly round or ovoid fruit with white pithy pulp |
| Harvest | Gather ripe yellow fruit as it falls or is accessible |
| Years to fruit | N/A |
Bacuri (Platonia insignis; also Pakuri and Bakuri) is an evergreen tropical fruit tree in the family Clusiaceae. It is native to South America and valued regionally for its edible fruit. GBIF lists Platonia insignis as an accepted exact species match.[1]
Description[edit | edit source]
Bacuri is an erect tree with a narrow, pyramidal crown and abundant yellow latex in the bark. It can reach about 25 m in height, with a straight cylindrical trunk that may be clear of branches for much of its length. The species is associated with seasonally flooded humid forest and open transitional vegetation, where it may be uncommon in dense forest.[2][3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Bacuri is a moist lowland tropical tree. It is seldom cultivated intensively in its native region, although landholders may retain wild trees for their fruit. Young trees need room for eventual canopy development and protection from prolonged dryness.[2]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
The species tolerates several soil conditions, including poorly drained sites, but dry soil is unfavorable. A planting site with abundant organic matter and reliable moisture suits its humid, seasonally flooded habitat. Maintain even moisture during establishment and avoid allowing container media to dry completely.[2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Bacuri succeeds in a sunny position and is adapted to humid tropical air. Partial shade is useful for seedlings and newly planted trees, while established trees need open space for their crown. Warmth and atmospheric humidity should be maintained through the growing season.[2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Rainfall is seasonal across parts of the native range, while the habitat remains humid or periodically flooded. Irrigation should be increased during dry weather and reduced only when natural rainfall keeps the root zone moist. A fixed flowering calendar is not established here, so local rainfall and tree maturity should guide seasonal management.[2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Fresh seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in partial shade and in individual containers. Germination is described at about 20 to 40 days, and the seed has very short viability, reported as less than 30 days in the wild. Keep the medium moist but not stagnant while seedlings establish.[2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
A defensible years-to-fruit range is not established in the horticultural evidence used here. The fruit is yellow when ripe, nearly round or ovoid, and may reach about 75 to 125 mm across and up to 900 g. In a native or naturalized setting, ripe fruit can be gathered when it is yellow and accessible; a universal harvest month is not established because timing varies across the range.[2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The hard yellow rind is fleshy inside and contains gummy yellow resinous latex. The white pithy pulp has a pleasant odour and subacid flavour. Ripe fruit is eaten raw or cooked to make sherbet, ice cream, marmalade, or jelly. The seeds contain an oil used traditionally in products such as soap and candles; those non-food uses do not establish the safety of seed or latex for eating.[2]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Platonia insignis. Accepted exact match, family, order, and genus.
- ↑ [2] Useful Tropical Plants: Platonia insignis. Habit, range, habitat, climate, soil, and cultivation.
- ↑ [3] Plants of the World Online: Platonia insignis. Kew taxonomic and distribution record.
