Almirajo
Patinoa almirajo
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
It is a medium sized tree. It grows 20 m tall. The leaves are oval with pointed tips. They can be 22 cm long and are dark green above and pale underneath. The flowers are large and have petals that turn back. The fruit are 25 cm long and 10 cm wide. They have yellow skin and cream coloured, sweet flesh.
Also put in the family Bombacaceae. In the subfamily Bombacoideae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests. In northern South America it grows from sea level to 1,100 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andes, Asia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Pacific, Panama, Philippines, SE Asia, South America
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh. It is the fleshy layer around the seeds that is eaten.
The fruit are popular. It is a cultivated food plant.
Edible parts
Fruit - aril, seeds
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Almirajo, Chishpudyuchi