Jacaratia Fruit Plant (Jacaratia spinosa)

Common Name: Wild mango, Mamoeiro-bravo, Mamãozinho in Brazil, and Yacaratiá tree

Botanical Name: Jacaratia spinosa

General Information:

Fast-growing deciduous tree with a narrow, open crown, reaching 10 - 40 meters tall.

Found in the tropical forest of South America: Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.

The tree produces edible fruit gathered from the wild for local use. Yields latex with medicinal properties. Suitable for ornamental plantings and reforestation projects.

Medicinal Uses:

The fruit is anti-inflammatory, strongly anthelmintic, and somewhat hydragogue.

Used to treat gut infections. Latex obtained from the tree also has medicinal uses.

Edible Uses:

Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, with a fleshy pulp having a sweet, spicy, pleasant flavor.

The fruit needs to be cooked, or if eaten raw, the skin needs to be scored to release latex.

Other Uses:

The wood was formerly used for the confection of homemade sweets.

Latex obtained from the tree. A fast-growing tree is suitable as a pioneer species.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 2 to 3 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate