Lucma, Longleaf pouteria
Pouteria longifolia

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 10 m tall. The leaves are spaced apart and arranged in spirals. They are 11-22 cm long by 3-8 cm wide. They are narrowly oval and taper to the tip. There are fine golden hairs underneath. There are 18-20 pairs of secondary veins. The flowers are in groups or 2-5 in the axils of leaves. The fruit are 14 cm long by 12 cm wide. They have a golden covering.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in lowland forests including floodplains. It grows between 350-900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Andes, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

The fruit has a slightly mealy texture and is eaten fresh.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Fruit drop to the ground during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Domapue, Lucuma, Meego

Synonyms

Chrysophyllum longifolium Mart. & Eichler ex Miq.;