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Jacaratia spinosa

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Photo from Faunayfloradelargentinanativa.blogspot.com.


The fruits from Saudedica.com.br.


The slightly spiny stem from Faunayfloradelargentinanativa.blogspot.com.


Female and male flowers from Arvoresdobiomacerrado.com.br.

Author: 

A. Pyramus de Candolle, 1864

Family: 

CARICACEAR

Origin: 

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname

Soil: 

Rich - Mix

Water: 

Medium - Maximum

Sun: 

Maximum

Thickness: 

80-100 Centimetres

Height: 

10-40 Metres

Flower: 

Pale Green

Propagate: 

Seeds/Cuttings

Names: 

Wild Mango, Mamoeiro-Bravo, Mamãozinho, Yacaratiá Tree, Cheese Tree, Papaya de Monte

Synonyms: 

Carica spinosa, Aubl.
Carica dodecaphylla, Vell.
Jacaratia costaricensis,
I.M.Johnst..
Jacaratia dodecaphylla,
A.DC.
Jacaratia dodecaphylla
f. longiflora, Chodat.
Jacaratia dodecaphylla
var. lucida, Hassl.
Papaya dodecaphylla,
Baill.
Papaya spinosa,
DC.

This dioecious member of the Caricaceae family was given this name by Alphonse Louis Pierre Pyramus de Candolle in 1864. It is found in the northern half of South America, growing in a well drained rich soil with some to lots of water and lots of sun. The stem can grow from 80 to 100 centimetres in diameter, the entire plant from ten to 40 metres in height. The flowers are pale green.

The genera name is most likely from the vermicular Brazilian name for one of the species. The species name for the spines on the stem.

Useful fact: The stem is used as a main ingredient in the manufacturing of candy. The wood is soaked in honey or syrup and is also available in chocolate bonbons or in flavoured jams with sawdust. The wood is soft and fibrous and the taste has been compared to chestnuts.