Bellucia dichotoma

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A tree. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. It grows 3-14 m tall. The trunk branches low down. The trunk can be 15-25 cm across. The fruit are round and yellow and 3 cm across. They contain many very small seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist upland forests. It is best in a sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Brazil, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw, including the seeds.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They are best collected by placing the fruit in a plastic bag until the fruit decomposes and then mixing this with water and spreading the seeds in a nursery. Seedlings can be re-planted when 4-5 cm tall and then into the field when 20-30 cm tall.

Young trees grow rapidly. Plants can fruit and flower throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Bellucia imperialis Saldanha & Cogn.;