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Myrsine guianensis

(Aubl.) Kuntze

iNaturalist· cc-by

(c) Nicolás Baresch Uribe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nicolás Baresch Uribe

iNaturalist· cc-by

(c) Fabrício Mil Homens Riella, some rights reserved (CC BY)

iNaturalist· cc-by

(c) Fabrício Mil Homens Riella, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Description

A tropical shrub growing 5-7 m tall with shiny black berries.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The fruit is edible.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyanas, Mexico, Panama, South America, Trinidad,

Cultivation

Prefers a position with partial to dense shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils from sandy to clay; from moderately acid to moderately alkaline; and also somewhat saline. Established plants are very drought tolerant and can also tolerate short periods of waterlogging. Usually a dioecious species, though bisexual flowers are sometimes found. Generally, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Other Uses

The light brown wood is hard and strong. It is used chiefly for posts. Plants can be trimmed to form a hedge.

Notes

Also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Synonyms

Rapanea guianensis Aubl.Rapanea oblonga Pohl ex Miq.Rapanea ovalifolia Mezand others

Also Known As

Jomirim

References (1)

  • Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 738 (As Rapanea ovalifolia)

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