Membrillo
Gustavia superba

Family: Lecythidaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 15 m high. The wood when cut produces a bad smell. The leaves are simple and deep green. They are 128 cm long and broadly sword shaped. They are deeply veined. The flowers are creamy-white to pale pink and 15 cm across. They have 7-9 wavy petals. They have a sweet smell. The fruit are like berries and 10 cm across. They are orange. The pulp is edible. It has seeds buried in it.

There are 41 Gustavia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to Central and South America. It grows in rainforests and swampy woodlands. It can tolerate some drought. It grows up to 1,000 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. In Townsville Anderson BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Indonesia, Myanmar, Panama, SE Asia, Singapore, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They are also used in soup. The pulp of the fruit is used like a grease to cook rice in.

Edible parts

Fruit, nuts

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or by layering.

It flowers year round.

Its other names

Local names

Chope, Chupo, Manteco, Membrillo, Paco, Sachamango, Stinkwood, Tanchaape fintsumi, Tuba

Synonyms

Gustavia superba var. salviniae Hemsl.; Japarandiba superba (Kunth) Kuntze; Pirigara insignis Kunth ex Hemsl.; Pirigara superba Kunth;