Armadillo fruit, Fruta-de-tatu
Pradosia brevipes

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

It is a large creeping shrub. Plants are often interconnected under the ground by a large network of roots and below ground branches. The leaves are large and a little like mango leaves. Fruit are borne on branches near ground level. The fruit is brown-yellow. It has soft apricot coloured pulp. This contains 1 or 2 large seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in grasslands in central Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), Paraguay, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or used to make juice.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ecclinusa brevipes Pierre; Chrysophyllum pumilum Chodat & Hassler; Ecclinusa pumila (Chodat & Hassler) Cronquist; Chrysophyllum soboliferum Rizzini;