Allophylus racemosus

Sw.

Sapindaceae Edible: Fruit 45 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A tropical shrub in the Sapindaceae family that grows to about 2 m tall.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The fruit is edible.

Medicinal Uses

Several parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine for curing sexual impotency, venereal diseases and stomach pains.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Brazil, South America,

Cultivation

Grows best in a sunny position. Prefers a deep, moist soil. Young plants have a fast rate of growth. The fruit is a good source of food for the native birds.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 40 days.

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, light in weight, easy to cut, susceptible to the attacks of wood-eating insects. When found of sufficient dimensions, it is used for fences and posts, and in making tool handles. Because of its small size it is mainlyy used as fuel and to make charcoal. A fast-growing tree, tolerant of full sun and a good food source for the native fauna; it can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland.

Synonyms

Allophylus semidentatus (Miq.) Radlk.Allophylus sericeus (Cambess.) Radlk. and others

References (3)

Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 25
Peres, M. K., 2011, Diasporos do Cerrado Atrativos para Fauna: Chave Interativa Caracterizacao Visual e Relacoes Ecologicas. Masters thesis. Universidade de Brasilia. (As Allophylus sericeus)
www.colecionandofrutas.org (As Allophylus semidentatus)