Heisteria silvianii

Family: Erythropalaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 8-15 m tall. The trunk is short and 30-40 cm across. The bark is rough and brown. The leaves are alternate and oblong to narrowly oval. The edges curl up. The flowers are in panicles of 6-12 flowers in the axils of leaves. The fruit is round and fleshy

Previously in the Olacaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal woodlands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They germinate in 30-40 days.

In Brazil plants flower August to December and fruit December to February.

Its other names

Local names

Brinco-de-mulata, Casca-de-tatu, Casco-de-tatu, Estrela-vermelha, Gumbijova, Pau-de-mico, Rapadura, Umari

Synonyms

Heisteria raddiana Benth. ex Hooker; Heisteria stereonuera Pierre ex Glaz.;