Yellow genip, Olive shape talisia
Talisia oliviformis

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows 18 m high. The leaves have 4 leaflets. These are arranged in opposite pairs. They are thin and leathery and 5-12 cm long. The flowers are in the axils of the leaves. They are often clustered near the ends of branches. The flowers are very small and 3-4 mm long. They have white petals fringed with hairs. The fruit occur in clusters of 6-8. The fruit are small and round. They are 2.5 cm across. They have a leathery skin. The flesh is translucent (lets light through) and yellowish or pink. There is one large seed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits the hot, wet tropical lowlands. It can grow in areas with good or poor soils. It can grow in areas with low or high rainfall. It cannot tolerate frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, South America, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also made into juice and jam. The seeds are eaten roasted.

It is sold in local markets. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Fruit mature in 120 days.

Its other names

Local names

Cotopriz, Guayo, Keneb, Kinep, Tapaljocote, Tinalujo, Uayab

Synonyms

Melicocca olivaeformis Kunth; Talisia oliviformis (Kunth) Radlk.;