Taruma
Vitex megapotamica

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A tree that loses its leaves. It grows 10-25 m tall. The trunk can be 40-60 cm across. Fruit are about 2 cm across.

Also put in the family Verbenaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in pine forests and semi-deciduous forests. It can grow in dry and wet soils. It needs a sunny position. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Paraguay, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

The fruit are sweet but not very popular.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. They germinate in 40-60 days and can be put in a nursery and transplanted.

Young trees grow quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Azaitona-brava, Azeitona-da-terra, Azeitona-do-mato, Bignonia del Rio Grande, Bracuy, Guabiroba-brava, Tamura duro, Tanumari, Tapinhao, Tapinhoa, Taruma, Taruma-preto

Synonyms

Bignonia megapotamica Spreng.; Psilogyne viticifolia DC.; Vitex montevidensis Cham.; Vitex multinervis (Cham.) Schauer; Vitex taruma Mart.; Vitex viticifolia (DC.) B. L. Rob.;