Hexachlamys edulis

(O. Berg.) Kausel & D. Legrand

Edible hexachlamys

Myrtaceae Edible: Fruit

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Description

A small tree. It grows 4-6 m tall. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. The leaves are simple and opposite. The are round. The fruit are 5 cm across.

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Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A succulent, aromatic pulp with a somewhat pleasant, acidic-sweet flavour. The fruit is used to make juices, jams and jellies. The fruit is considered by some people to be slightly laxative. The fruit is about 5cm in diameter.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, South America, Paraguay, Uruguay,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate in excess of 60% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 50 days. Seedlings grow away moderately quickly.

Other Uses

The wood is compact, moderately heavy, hard, durable. It is used for cabinet making, internal work, tool handles etc. A natural pioneer species within its native range, providing an edible fruit, this species is a very good choice as part of a mixed planting for re-establishing native woodland or forest gardens.

Synonyms

Calomyrtus excelsa (Cambess.) BlumeCampomanesia cagaiteira Kiaersk.Eugenia divaricata Barb.Rodr.Eugenia edulis (O.Berg) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Griseb.Eugenia montevidensis MattosEugenia myrcianthes Nied.Hexachlamys excelsa (Cambess.) MattosLuma grisebachii HerterLuma myrcianthes (Nied.) HerterMyrcia gemmiflora O.BergMyrcia sparsifolia Barb.Rodr.Myrcianthes edulis O.BergMyrtus excelsa Cambess.Psidium amygdalinum Hook. & Arn.

Also Known As

Aguara yva'y, Cagaiteira, Cereja-de-rio-grande, Ibajai, Ivai, Ivajai, Ocorocillo, Pessego-do-mato, Pessegueiro-do-mato, Ubajai, Ubajay, Ubujai

References (5)

Bortolotto, I. M., et al, 2018, Lista preliminar das plantas alimenticias nativas de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Iheringia, Serie Botanica, Porto Alegre, 73 (supl.):101-116
Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 301
Ferns, Useful Tropical plants
Vignale, B., et al, 2016, Selección de frutales nativos en Uruguay. 19 Horticultura Argentina 35 (87): May.-Ago. 2016
Wiersema, J. H. & Leon, B., 2013, World Economic Plants. A Standard Reference CRC Press. 2nd Ed. p 348