Guapeva, Imperial tree
Chrysophyllum imperiale

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 10-20 m high. The trunk is 35-45 cm across. The bark is brown and coarse. The leaves are grouped at the ends of branches. Leaves have spiny teeth around the edge. They are 10-40 cm long by 4-12 cm wide. Flowers are in groups in the axils of fallen leaves. The fruit is a berry with a juicy pulp. It is 6 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in humid forests on wet flood plains.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. The seeds are collected from ripe fruit and stored for a few days until they open and the seeds are removed under running water. Seeds need to be planted fresh. Seedlings emerge in 20-35 days.

Plants grow at a moderate rate.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Theophrasta imperialis Linden ex K. Koch. & Fintelm.; Planchonella imperialis (Linden ex K. Koch. & Finelm) Baehni; Martiusella imperialis (Linden ex K. Koch & Fintelm.) Pierre; Chloroluma imperialis (Linden ex K. Koch & Fintelm.) Aubrev.;