Guaipiciu
Chomelia brasiliana

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrubs. It has branches 2-4 m tall. The trunk is 4-7 cm across. The bark is rough. It can have spines. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are 2-6 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are at the tips of branches. They are white. The fruit are oval and black. They are 8-13 mm long. There is one seed.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the forest and is best with good humidity. It suits acid soils. It can tolerate shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, South America

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed. The seed can be stored for one year. Seeds take 2-4 months to germinate.

It is slow growing. It produces fruit after 4-5 years. In Brazil plants fruit from March to August.

Its other names

Local names

Guauciu

Synonyms

Anisomeris brasiliana (A. Rich.) Standl.; and others