Pau-brasil
Eugenia multicostata

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 20-30 m tall. The crown is dense. The trunk is crooked. The bark is light brown or reddish. The leaves are somewhat leathery and 6-12 cm long. The flowers are in groups near the ends of branches. They are white. The fruit are oblong with ridges. The pulp is juicy and acid with a pleasant taste.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in the forest near the Atlantic in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used for jellies and sweets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seeds are collected from ripe fruit and the pulp removed. They need to be planted fresh. Seedlings emerge in 30-40 days.

Plants grow slowly.

Its other names

Local names

Araca-piranga, Araca-vermelho, Pau-alazao, Pau-mulato, Sapiranga

Synonyms

Eugenia multicostata var. octocostata D. Legrand;