Peanut butter fruit, Silvery bunchosia
Bunchosia argentea

Family: Malpighiaceae

What it is like

A small tree or shrub. It grows to 10 m tall. It forms a dense cone shaped crown. The leaves are in pairs and have wavy edges. They are simple and rich green. They are 10 cm long. They taper to the base. The flowers are yellow and showy. They are in long racemes. The petals have wavy edges. The fruit is oval and fleshy. The fruit are small and orange with a sticky pulp. They are 2.5 cm across. They are edible. They are cream coloured and have the consistency and texture of peanut butter.

There are 68 Bunchosia species. High in Caretonoids and available.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to C. and S. America. It needs a tropical climate. In Cairns Botanical Gardens. In Townsville Anderson BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Andes, Australia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador (country/location of origin), French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, North America, Panama, Peru (country/location of origin), South America, Suriname, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or used in drinks. The flavour of the fruit resembles a dried fig.

They are an attractive fruit.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They can also be grown by grafting.

It flowers are fruits most of the year. Fruit spoil quickly so must be picked regularly and stored in a refrigerator. It can produce fruit 2-3 years after planting.

Its other names

Local names

Abio, Ananbajeccocho, Bunchosia, Ciruela, Ciruela-branca, Ciruela de monte, Ciruelo, Confite, Cumal muyo, Huacu ruya, Sacha ambi yura

Synonyms

Malpighia argentea Jacq.;