Pururuca
Casearia rupestris
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 4-7 m high. The crown is a pyramid shape. The tips of the branches have a white covering. The trunk has grooves. It is 15-30 cm across. The leaves are papery. They are 7-12 cm long and 4-7 cm wide. The fruit are round and open in 3 valves. They are 2-3 cm across.
There are 160-180 Casearia species. They are mostly in South America. 75 occur in tropical America. They have also been put in the plant family Flacourtiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in broadleaf, semi-deciduous forest in Brazil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), South America
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh.
The fruit are not very popular.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested and put in the shade to completely open. The seeds are then washed and dried. The fresh seed are harvested and germinate in 3-6 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 6-8 months.
The plants grow at a moderate rate.
Its other names
Local names
Cafezeiro, Guacatunga-grande, Olho-de-pomba-da-mata, Pururuca, Veu-de-noiva