Curitiba prismatica

(D. Legrand) Salywon & Landrum

Curitiba

Myrtaceae Edible: Fruit 6 iNaturalist observations

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Eliane Kobayakawa (via Wikimedia Commons)

Summary

Curitiba prismatica is a species of tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is only species in the genus Curitiba, the species was originally described as Eugenia prismatica by D. Legrand in 1969 and moved to its own genus by Andrew M. Salywon and Leslie Roger Landrum in 2007. In Portuguese the species goes by the common names Cambuí, Guamirim, Mureira, and Murta. The species is listed as vulnerable by the ICUN. Curitiba is a monotypic genus of plant in family Myrtaceae, endemic to Brazil. It can be found in the Araucaria rainforest.

Description

A subtropical shrub or small tree of the myrtle family, growing 2-4 m tall with edible fruit.

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Edible Uses

The fruit are enjoyed.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant.

Where It Grows

Brazil, South America,

Cultivation

Grows best in a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant.

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 a few weeks.

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, hard, with moderate mechanical properties and of good durability. It is used locally in general construction, making tool handles and for external purposes such as fence posts. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal. Tolerant of full sun and providing food for the native fauna, the plant can be used as a pioneer plant when restoring native woodland.