Umari
Poraqueiba sericea

Family: Icacinaceae

What it is like

Umari, Poraqueiba sericea, is an evergreen, tropical, and fairly fast-growing tree with no known medicinal uses. It can be found in South America particularly in northern Brazil, where it grows usually about 15-25 m tall with a dense pyramidal canopy. Its bole is straight and about 30-50 cm in diameter. Established plants are tolerant to drought but not to flooding. The fruits are edible specifically the fleshy pulp. It can be consumed raw or cooked. It yields oil which is edible as well. The wood is ideal for carpentry and construction but is mostly used for making charcoal. The plant can be grown from seeds and germination takes about 4-6 weeks after sowing.

Poraqueiba sericea is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 20

Where it is found

Rainforest, on land that does not become inundated. Usually found in deep, clayey, well-drained soils.

S. America - northern Brazil.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil; Peru; Colombia; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of; Ecuador, Amazon, Ecuador,, South America,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fleshy pulp has a peculiar taste and aroma. It is often served with manioc flour416, and is made into a 'butter' for spreading on bread. The fruit contains 12% oil and is rich in starch. The yellowish fruit is around 7cm long and 5cm wide. An edible oil is obtained from the fruit pulp and the seed.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Agroforestry Uses: The tree is often interplanted with crops such as Brazil nut, cashew, uvilla, and Inga species that grow well in poor, clay soils. Other Uses Children cut the endosperm of the fruit into thin, opaque slices to make toy glasses. The wood is medium to thick-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, hard, with moderate mechanical properties and not durable. It is suitable for carpentry and internal use in construction. It is popular for making charcoal.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

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

Succeeds in a sunny position and in dappled shade. Trees can grow well in very poor, heavy clay soils. Intolerant of flooding. Established plants are drought tolerant.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A medium germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 28 - 42 days. Plants should be ready to plant out 7 - 8 months later.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Mari-preto, Umari-roxo, caniba, capibare, guacure, madi, mari, umarí, yumari, yuí.

Synonyms

Poraqueiba acuminata Miers