Silverwood, Pusa, Crato mouriri
Mouriri pusa

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A tree. It may lose many leaves during the year. It grows 4-8 m tall. The crown is sparse. The leaves are somewhat leathery and 3-6 cm long. The flowers are white and have a scent. They are in clusters along the woody branches. They can be on the main trunk. The fruit are round and with a thin skin. The fruit are the size of a small plum. They contain 1-4 seeds. The pulp is juicy and sweet.

They have also been put in the family Memecylaceae. It has antioxidant properties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in scrubland and rocky sandy areas in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh.

The fruit are sold in markets. The fruit are enjoyed.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The seeds are collected from ripe fruit. The fruit are put into plastic bags to allow them to partly decompose and the seeds removed under running water. The seeds need to be planted fresh. They are best in light shade. Seedlings emerge in 70-90 days.

The plant grows slowly.

Its other names

Local names

Croada, Jabuticaba-do-campo, Manapuca, Mandapuca, Munduru, Puca-preta, Pusa

Synonyms

Mouriri pusa var. grandifolia Hoehne;