Pajura
Couepia bracteosa

Family: Chrysobalanaceae

What it is like

Coupeia bracteosa, otherwise known as Pajura, is a popular evergreen fruit tree of up to 20 m in height with a dense and narrow crown, leathery dark green leaves, and white small flowers that forms into clusters in the leaf axils and at the end of branches. The fruit is oval and has a thick, aromatic, oily pulp with a thin skin and a sweet flavour. It can be eaten raw and it has high oil content. The wood is heavy, very durable and used for external carpentry. Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Peru, South America, Suriname, Venezuela. Also known as: Aruadan, Coro, Marirana, Oiti, Olosapo, Pajura de mata, Pajura-de-racha, Pajura-verdadeiro.

Couepia bracteosa is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Tropical, dryland forests. Found in secondary forests, along rivers and in upland formations.

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Guyanas.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Peru, South America, Suriname, Venezuela.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw. A thick, aromatic, oily pulp with a thin skin and a sweet, pleasant flavour. The fruit is up to 13cm long and 10cm wide.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Other Uses: The wood is heavy, difficult to work, very durable and only slightly susceptible to wood-eating organisms. It is used for external carpentry.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

A tropical plant. Succeeds in a sunny position or light shade. Newly planted young trees grow away moderately well. A popular cultivated fruit tree.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, in individual containers in partial shade. The germination rate is usually low, with the seeds taking several weeks before they sprout. The seeds are collected from very ripe fruit that have the pulp washed out. The seeds should be planted fresh.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Coupeia bracteosa, otherwise known as Pajura. Also known as: Aruadan, Coro, Marirana, Oiti, Olosapo, Pajura de mata, Pajura-de-racha, Pajura-verdadeiro.

Synonyms

Moquilea bracteosa (Benth.) Walp. Moquilea rufa Barb.Rodr.