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VOLUME 2

Monographs: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

List of monographs:

1. Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

2. Acerola, Malpighia emarginata DC., (Malpighiaceae)

3. African plum, Vitex doniana Sweet, (Lamiaceae (alt. Labiatae) (also placed in Verbenaceae))

4. Agritos, Berberis trifoliolata Moric., (Berberidaceae)

5. Almondette, Buchanania lanzan Spreng., (Anacardiaceae)

6. Ambarella, Spondias dulcis Sol. ex Parkinson, (Anacardiaceae)

7. Apak palm, Brahea dulcis (Kunth) Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

8. Appleberry, Billardiera scandens Sm., (Pittosporaceae)

9. Arazá, Eugenia stipitata McVaugh, (Myrtaceae)

10. Arbutus Berry, Arbutus unedo L., (Ericaceae)

11. Babaco, Vasconcellea x heilbornii (V. M. Badillo) V. M. Badillo, (Caricaceae)

12. Bacaba palm, Oenocarpus bacaba Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

13. Bacaba-de-leque, Oenocarpus distichus Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

14. Bayberry, Red, Morella rubra Lour., (Myricaceae)

15. Bignay, Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed in Euphorbiaceae, Stilaginaceae))

16. Bilimbi, Averrhoa bilimbi L., (Oxalidaceae (also placed in Averrhoaceae))

17. Breadnut, Brosimum alicastrum Sw., (Moraceae)

18. Cabeluda, Plinia glomerata (O. Berg) Amshoff, (Myrtaceae)

19. Cajou (pseudofruit), Anacardium giganteum Hance ex Engl., (Anacardiaceae)

20. Cambucá, Marlierea edulis Nied., (Myrtaceae)

21. Carandas-plum, Carissa edulis Vahl, (Apocynaceae)

22. Carob, Ceratonia siliqua L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also placed in Caesalpiniaceae))

23. Cashew (pseudofruit), Anacardium occidentale L., (Anacardiaceae)

24. Ceylon iron wood, Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard, (Sapotaceae)

25. Ceylon olive, Elaeocarpus serratus L., (Elaeocarpaceae)

26. Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande, Eugenia aggregata (Vell.) Kiaersk., (Myrtaceae)

27. Chinese olive, black, Canarium tramdenum C. D. Dai& Yakovlev, (Burseraceae)

28. Chinese olive, white, Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch., (Burseraceae)

29. Chirauli-nut, Buchanania latifolia Roxb., (Anacardiaceae)

30. Ciruela verde, Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav.) DC., (Malpighiaceae)

31. Cocoplum, Chrysobalanus icaco L., (Chrysobalanaceae)

32. Date, Phoenix dactylifera L., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

33. Davidson's plum, Davidsonia pruriens F. Muell., (Cunoniaceae (also placed in Davidsoniaceae))

34. Desert-date, Balanites aegyptiacus (L.) Delile, (Zygophyllaceae (also placed in Balanitaceae))

35. Doum palm coconut, Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

36. False sandalwood, Ximenia americana L., (Olacaceae)

37. Feijoa, Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret, (Myrtaceae)

38. Fig, Ficus carica L., (Moraceae)

39. Fragrant Manjack, Cordia dichotoma G. Forst., (Boraginaceae)

40. Gooseberry, Abyssinian, Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb., (Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

41. Gooseberry, Ceylon, Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb., (Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

42. Gooseberry, Indian, Phyllanthus emblica L., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed in Euphorbiaceae))

43. Gooseberry, Otaheite, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, (Phyllanthaceae (also placed in Euphorbiaceae))
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44. Governor's plum, Flacourtia indica (Burm. F.) Merr., (Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae)). Also 

includes Plum of Martinique, Flacourtia inermis, (Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae)); Rukam, 

Flacourtia rukam, (Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae)) and Indian Plum, Flacourtia jangomas, 

(Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

45. Grumichama, Eugenia brasiliensis Lam, (Myrtaceae)

46. Guabiroba, Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

47. Guava, Psidium guajava L., (Myrtaceae) [Includes by crop definition: 

48. Guava berry, Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

49. Guava, Brazilian, Psidium guineense Sw.

50. Guava, Cattley, Psidium cattleianum Sabine, (Myrtaceae). Also includes Guava, purple strawberry, 

Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum, (Myrtaceae); Guava, yellow strawberry, Psidium 

cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum forma lucidum O. Deg., (Myrtaceae) and Guava, strawberry, Psidium 

cattleianum Sabine var. littorale (Raddi) Fosberg, (Myrtaceae)

51. Guava, Costa Rican, (Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied.)

52. Guava, Para, Psidium acutangulum DC., (Myrtaceae)

53. Guayabillo, (Psidium sartorianum (O. Berg) Nied.)

54. Illawarra plum, Podocarpus elatus R. Br. Ex Endl., (Podocarpaceae)

55. Imbé, Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson, (Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae))

56. Imbu, Spondias tuberosa Arruda ex Kost., (Anacardiaceae)

57. Jaboticaba, Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

58. Jamaica-cherry, Muntingia calabura L., (Muntingiaceae, ((also placed in Elaeocarpaceae, Tiliaceae))

59. Jambolan, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, (Myrtaceae)

60. Jelly palm, Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

61. Jujube, Chinese, Ziziphus jujuba Mill., (Rhamnaceae)

62. Jujube, Indian, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., (Rhamnaceae)

63. Kaffir-plum, Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. Ex C. Krauss, (Anacardiaceae)

64. Kakadu plum, Terminalia latipes Benth. Subsp. psilocarpa Pedley, (Combretaceae)

65. Kapundung, Baccaurea racemosa (Reinw.) Mull. Arg., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed in Euphorbiaceae))

66. Karanda, Carissa carandas L. 

67. Kwai muk, Artocarpus hypargyreus Hance ex Benth., (Moraceae)

68. Lemon aspen, Acronychia acidula, (Rutaceae)

69. Mangaba, Hancornia speciosa Gomes, (Apocynaceae)

70. Marian plum, Bouea macrophylla Griff., (Anacardiaceae)

71. Mombin, Malayan, Spondias pinnata (J. Koenig ex L. f.) Kurz, (Anacardiaceae)

72. Mombin, purple, Spondias purpurea L., (Anacardiaceae)

73. Mombin, yellow, Spondias mombin L., (Anacardiaceae)

74. Monkeyfruit, Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham., (Moraceae)

75. Monos plum, Pseudanamomis umbellulifera (Kunth) Kausel, (Myrtaceae)

76. Mountain cherry, Bunchosia cornifolia Kunth, (Malpighiaceae)

77. Nance, Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth, (Malpighiaceae)

78. Natal plum, Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC, (Apocynaceae)

79. Noni , Morinda citrifolia L., (Rubiaceae)

80. Olive, Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea, (Oleaceae)

81. Papaya, Mountain, Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC., (Caricaceae)

82. Patauá, Oenocarpus bataua Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

83. Peach Palm, Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes, (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

84. Persimmon, black, Diospyros texana Scheele, (Ebenaceae)

85. Persimmon, Japanese, Diospyros kaki Thunb., (Ebenaceae)

86. Pitomba, Eugenia luschnathiana Klotzsch ex O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)
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87. Pomerac, Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, (Myrtaceae)

88. Rambai, Baccaurea motleyana (Mull. Arg.) Mull. Arg., (Phyllanthaceae)

89. Rose apple, Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston, (Myrtaceae)

90. Rumberry, Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc Vaugh, (Myrtaceae)

91. Sea grape, Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L., (Polygonaceae)

92. Sentul, Sandoricum koetjape (Burm. F.) Merr., (Meliaceae)

93. Sete-capotes, Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

94. Silver aspen, Acronychia wilcoxiana, (Rutaceae)

95. Starfruit, Averrhoa carambola L., (Oxalidaceae (also placed in Averrhoaceae))

96. Surinam cherry, Eugenia uniflora L., (Myrtaceae)

97. Tamarind, Tamarindus indica L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also placed in Caesalpiniaceae))

98. Uvalha, Eugenia pyriformis, (Myrtaceae)

99. Water apple, Syzygium aqueum (Burm. F.) Alston, (Myrtaceae)

100.Water pear, Syzygium guineense, (Myrtaceae)

101.Water berry, Syzygium cordatum, (Myrtaceae)

102.Wax jambu, Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M. Perry, (Myrtaceae)
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1. Açaí [(assai palm, cabbage palm, pinot, Kohlpalme, açaí-do-Pará, açaizeiro, palmiteiro, palmito-açaí, 

uaçaí, assaí, asaí, euterpe (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae) 

Euterpe oleracea Mart. [(syn: Euterpe badiocarpa Barb. Rodr. (GRIN)]

2. A tall, slow-growing, slender palm tree that reaches a height of 15 to 25 meters (49 to 82 feet). The tree 

suckers at the base, resulting in large clusters of trunks (25 or more per tree). Trunks are 7 to 20 centimeters 

(3 to 8 inches) in diameter. Aerial roots are found on trees growing in swampy areas. Açaí is indigenous to 

the Amazon rainforest. The crown contains 8 to 14 leaves that are long pinnate and 2 to 4 meters (7 to 13 feet)

long. Leaf bases are tightly sheathing and form a crown shaft that is green, yellow, red or purple in color. 

Each leaf contains 50 to 62 widely spaced leaflets that are pendulous on the rachis and reach 1 meter (3 feet)

in length. The inflorescence emerges from below the crown shaft, contains a central rachis and

approximately 54 lateral branches and reaches 1 meter (3 feet) long. Branches are covered with light 

brownish-white hairs. Each branch bears clusters of two male flowers and one female flower. Terminal 

branches contain male flowers. Male flowers are purplish and 0.45 by 0.27 centimeters (0.2 by 0.1 inch) in 

size. Female flowers are purple to light brown and 0.32 by 0.26 centimeters (0.2 by 0.1 inch) in size. Both 

male and female flowers are unstalked. Pollination is by small bees, flies and beetles. The small, round, 1 to

2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 inch) in diameter fruit is a drupe that contains a single large seed surrounded by stringy 

fibrous sheaths and a thin oily coating. Immature fruit are green and ripens to dark purple when mature. 

Some fruit are green at maturity and are known as white açaí. Four to eight bunches of fruit are produced 

each year per trunk. The fruit skin is smooth and shiny. The fruit pulp is creamy to oily and sweet. The 

flavor resembles raspberries, blackberries, or nuts with a metallic aftertaste. This fruit is a major food 

resource in tropical America. Old trunks are removed for palm cabbage; the tree is the main source of palm 

hearts. Other uses include ornamental use; medicinal purposes; ink, dye and wood for house construction 

(RAIN-TREE, PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK, TOP-TROPICALS). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs year-round. Fruits are produced year-round; ripe fruits are produced 

mostly in the dry season in July to December. Fruit production occurs in 4 years from seed

(RAIN-TREE, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grows best in tropical flooded lowlands under shady rainforest canopies; tolerates

firm land. Forms extensive stands in swampy forests, the Amazon estuary, and along rivers in the 

rainforest. Also grows close to the coast. Prefers organic acidic soil, high humidity, and warm 

tropical climates where the temperature does not drop below 10 ° C (50 ° F). Not tolerant of dry 

conditions. Propagation is by seed. Seeds should be air-dried for several days after being removed 

from the fruit and stored in plastic bags at room temperature for a short period of time. Germination 

occurs in 4 to 8 weeks. Fruit is obtained from wild populations; to harvest the fruit, humans climb 

the tree, cut the inflorescence and extract the pulp by hand or machine (PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Staple food for inhabitants of the lower Amazon region where it 

is purchased from local acai fruit markets and businesses that process the fruit; palm hearts 

purchased from markets all over the world; acai fruit drinks, powdered juice extracts, tablets, frozen 

pulp and energy bars are sold in health food markets in the United States, Europe and online; fruit

and juice is highly perishable (RAIN-TREE, JANICK). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit can be consumed fresh; the main use of acai is preparation of a

juice obtained by soaking ripe fruits in water to soften the thin outer shell. Fruits are then squeezed 

and the large seeds strained out to produce a dense purple liquid; processed into ice cream, liquor, 

mousses, sweets and pastries. People of the lower Amazon River mix the fruit with cassava flour or 

rice. Can be made into syrup or sauce; baked. Pulp is frozen (RAIN-TREE, JANICK, 

PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, TOP-TROPICALS). 
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e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp is high in calories because of starch and sugar content; good source 

of vitamin A. Calcium, phosphorus and iron contents are significant. Source of fiber, protein, and 

omega-3 fatty acids. Fruit contains traces of sulfer, vitamin B1, anthocyanins, phytonutrients and 

phenolics; source of antioxidants (PERENNIAL, JANICK, TOP-TROPICALS).

f. Medicinal aspects: Many Brazilian medicinal uses; health drink in the United States. It is 

believed to contain antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic properties. Aids 

the cardiovascular system and serves as a source of fiber for a healthy digestive system 

(RAIN-TREE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, TOP-TROPICALS).

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: None (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Panama, Caribbean, Northern and Western South America, Brazil, 

Ecuador; introduced into India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and elsewhere. One stem produces approximately 4 to 

8 fruiting stems annually; one stem produces 16 to 32 kilograms (35 to 70 pounds) of fruit. Approximately 

4,000 ha (9,884 acres) of açaí forest in Brazil produced 7 tonnes (7.7 tons) of pure and sweetened pulp for 

export to the U.S. in 2000 (PERENNIAL, GRIN, JANICK). 

6. Use: Ornamental, beverage base, fruit, oil/fat, vegetable, medicinal purposes; palm cabbage; palm hearts;

wood, ink, dye (RAIN-TREE, GRIN). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit eaten fresh or processed; old trunks used for palm cabbage; palm

hearts (RAIN-TREE).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellanceous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None.

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, RAIN-TREE, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, TOP-TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: No entry.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ETQOL 
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003

1. Acerola [(acerola, Bardados cherry, Cereza, Garden cherry, Native cherry, French cherry, West 

Indian-cherry, cerise-de-Cayenne, cerisier de Barbade, cerisier des Antilles, Barbadoskirsche, westindische 

Kirsche, cerejeira-das-Atilhas, grosella (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Malpighiaceae

Malpighia emarginata DC. [(syn: Malpighia punicifolia auct., Malpighia retusa Benth. (GRIN)]

2. A large, bushy evergreen small tree or shrub growing up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall and wide. Native to the

Caribbean, Central America, or Northern South America. The trunk diameter is 10 centimeters (4 inches). 

Branches are minutely hairy, contain many lenticels, and can be erect or spreading and drooping. The tree 

may have a semi-prostrate, compact, upright or open growth habit. Leaves are simple, entire, opposite,

elliptical, oblong, obovate, oval, ovate or narrowly oblanceolate in shape and 2-7 centimeters (0.75 to 2.75 

inches) long by 2.5 to 3.8 centimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) wide; young leaves and petioles are hairy; mature 

leaves are dark green and hairless. Pink, lavender or white flowers are borne in clusters in leaf axils on new 

terminals and on lateral spurs. Each flower contains 5 petals, 10 stamens; flowers range in size from 2.0 to 

2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) wide. Pollination is by insects. Bright-red, orange-red, or deep purplish red 

fruit cherry-like, oblate to round in shape, 3-lobed, 1 to 3.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1.4 inch) wide and 3 to 10 

grams (0.1 to 0.4 ounce) in weight. The skin is thin, delicate, smooth and glossy. Pulp is yellow to orange in 

color, juicy, and acid to subacid. Individual fruit contain three small, rounded to triangular ridged stones that 

may contain seeds. Fruit is borne singly or in 2’s or 3’s. Fruit is eaten fresh or processed into puree and juice; 

high in vitamin C content (MARKLE, PERENNIAL, MORTON, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The fruiting season varies with the weather. Flowering occurs in cycles, approximately

one month apart and begins in March and extends into November or later. Flowering depends on 

rainfall and temperature patterns. Fruits ripen in 3 to 4 weeks from flower set (MORTON, 

MARKLE, TRADE WINDS, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical lowlands with medium to high rainfall. Rainfall of 175 

centimeters (69 inches) per year is beneficial to growth and fruiting. Temperatures of 15 to 32 ° C

(59 to 90° F) are beneficial. Thrives in warm climates at sea level. Tolerant of seasonal dry periods 

and a variety of well-drained soils. Not tolerant of frost and temperatures below 7 °C (45 °F) for 

long periods of time. Shading increases leaf size and decreases ascorbic acid levels in fruit. 

Cross-pollination is needed for good fruit production. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, layering and 

grafting. Seeds are not recommended for production purposes, since there is high genetic variability. 

Propagation by cuttings is more preferred. Cuttings should be 20 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches)

long and 0.64 to 1.3 centimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inch) in diameter. With rooting hormone, cuttings root in 

6 weeks. Transplanting is done during the rainy season. Plants should be spaced 3.7 by 4.6 meters

(12 by 15 feet) to 5.5 by 5.5 meters (18 by 18 feet) and fertilized with 15 grams (0.5 ounce) of a 

complete fertilizer. The tree can be pruned and trained to a single trunk. Irrigation is required for 

proper growth and fruiting. Currently, the plant is not heavily cultivated. Fruit is highly perishable

and easily bruised. Ripe fruit and fruit turning color should be harvested every other day

(PERENNIAL, JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Natural food outlets around the world promote vitamin C 

products from acerola including powder, tablets, capsules, juice and syrup; sold in baby foods in 

Puerto Rican markets; frozen fruits shipped to the United States for processing; no commercial 

production of fresh fruits; fruits bruise easily and are highly perishable (MORTON, TRADE 

WINDS).
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d. Preparation for cooking: Eaten fresh out of hand locally; fruits cooked with sugar and strained to 

remove seeds before using as a sauce, puree, syrup, jam, jelly or juice. Cold- or hot-pressed juice 

may be frozen and made into fruit punch or added to other juices. Juice is also used to prevent 

oxidation of fruit used in salads. Fruit should be processed, frozen or refrigerated immediately

(MORTON, JANICK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are high in vitamin C and provide a fair source of provitamin A; low in 

B vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, iron and niacin (MORTON, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Used by locals to cure common colds, liver ailments and dysentery; health 

drink and supplement (MORTON).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Some commercial plantings in Puerto Rico (202 hectares (500 acres), 1980) and 

Hawaii (no current data) and Florida. Some plants in Hawaii produce 23 to 32 kilograms (51 to 71 pounds)

of fruit per tree per year. In Puerto Rico, 4-year-old single trees yield 14 to 28 kilograms (31 to 62 pounds)

per season (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: Central Mexico, South America including Brazil, Barbados, 

Central America, Taiwan, the Caribbean, and the Windward Islands; widely cultivated in the tropics. An 

orchard of 200 trees produces 2,722 to 4,082 kilograms (6,000 to 9,000 pounds) of fruit per year (GRIN, 

JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit is used mainly for juice, jelly, puree and powder; medicinal purposes; eaten

fresh (TRADE WINDS, MARKLE, GRIN). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit are processed (extracted or canned) (MARKLE).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit. 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellanceous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0287 (Barbados cherry) and FT 4095) Assorted tropical and subtropical 

fruits-edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = acerola

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, FFVIM, PERENNIAL, MORTON, PLANTS 

DATABASE, TRADE WINDS, JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MLPPU (listed as Malpighia punicifolia L.)
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1. African plum [(black plum (GRIN))]

Lamiaceae (alt. Labiatae). Also placed in: Verbenaceae

Vitex doniana Sweet [(syn: Vitex cienkowskii Kotschy & Peyr., Vitex cuneata Thonn. (GRIN)]

2. A medium-sized deciduous, nitrogen-fixing tree growing 8 to 20 meters (26 to 66 feet) high. The tree 

contains a dense, rounded crown. Native to the hot, tropical climate of Africa. The bark is pale brown to 

grayish white with vertical fissures. Leaves are thick, leathery, dark green, opposite, glabrous, and 14 to 34

centimeters (5.5 to 13 inches) long. Each leaf contains 5 leaflets on stalks 6-14 centimeters (2 to 5.5 inches)

long. Leaflets are entire, ovate, obovate-elliptic or oblong in shape, contain rounded tips, and range in size 

from 8 to 22 centimeters (3 to 9 inches) long by 2 to 9 centimeters (0.8 to 3.5 inches) wide. Flowers are 

white and tinged purple and occur in dense opposite and axillary cymes. Fruit are oblong, up to 3 cm (1.2 

inches) long, and turn from green to purplish-black as they ripen. The skin is smooth and shiny. The pulp is 

starchy black. Each fruit contains one hard conical seed that measures 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch)

long and 1 to 1.2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inch) wide. Fruit is sweet and tastes like prunes. Fruit can be 

candied, made into jam or eaten fresh; leaves, pods, and seeds are used for fodder; leaves are used in cooking; 

roots and fruit are used for medicinal purposes; bark is used for dye; wood is used for construction purposes 

and fuel. Grown around homes (AGROFORESTRY, FAMINE, PERENNIAL, FAO, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from August through November; fruiting occurs January to April

(FAO).

b. Cultivation: Found in fields, coastal deciduous woodlands, savannah, secondary forests, dry 

forests, riverine forests, lowland forests, fallows, alluvial soils, and wetter areas at low elevations in 

Western and Eastern Africa. Flourishes from sea level to 1,850 meters (6,070 feet). Requires a high 

water table, a mean annual temperature of 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), and a mean annual rainfall of 75 

to 200 centimeters (30 to 79 inches). Tolerates a variety of soil conditions. Propagation methods 

include wildlings, seed, coppice, and root suckers; seeds require a long time to germinate; fire may 

help break the seed coat. Pruning and coppicing aid tree shape (FAO, JANICK). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Children mostly collect and consume the fruit, but adults also 

consume fruits during food shortages; fruit is occasionally sold in African markets (FAMINE, FAO, 

PERENNIAL).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp can be eaten raw, candied, or prepared into jam or wine; in 

certain areas, fruit are cooked before consumption during food shortages. Leaves are used as an 

herb in cooking (FAMINE, AGROFORESTRY, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contains vitamins A and B (AGROFORESTRY).

f. Medicinal aspects: Leaves, fruit, and roots used for numerous purposes in Africa including 

anemia, backaches, eye problems and gonorrhea. Fruit especially are used to aid fertility and treat 

jaundice, leprosy and dysentery (FAO, JANICK).

g. Crop Photos: 

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northeast Tropical Africa, East Tropical Africa, West-Central 

Tropical Africa, West and East Tropical Africa, South Tropical Africa; found elsewhere in tropical Africa; 

no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: ornamental, wood, fruit, medicinal purposes, mulch, fuel, fodder; bark is used for dye; wood is used 

for construction purposes (FAO, GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Leaves, pods, seeds, roots, fruit (raw or processed) (FAO). 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: Proposed for Group 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, AGROFORESTRY, FAMINE, PERENNIAL, FAO, 

JANICK.

11. Production Map: No entry.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
Page	

10

1. Agritos [(currant-of-Texas, agarito, algerita (GRIN))]

Berberidaceae

Berberis trifoliolata Moric. [(syn: Mahonia trifoliolata (Moric.) Fedde (GRIN))]

2. Evergreen shrub growing to 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 ft.). Grows in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, 

Texas, and Mexico on rocky limestone flats and slopes in full sun. Hardy to zone 6. Bark is grey to 

reddish-brown and exfoliating. Stiff, erect branches with spiny, holly-like, grey-green alternate trifoliolate 

leaves. Leaflets are spiny lanceolate-oblong to elliptic and are found in three’s, joined at a central point.

Fragrant yellow flowers are borne in few-flowered racemes. Fruit is a subglobose to globose bright red berry, 

0.8 to 1.2 cm (0.3 to 0.5 inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth and shiny. Pulp is acidic and contains one to 

several seeds. Uses include wine and jelly from the berries, medicinal purposes from the roots, yellow dye 

from the roots and wood, a coffee substitute from the seeds, and an effective hedge or barrier plant (PLANTS 

FOR A FUTURE, TEXAS, FED).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers bloom from February through April; fruit immediately follows in summer

(TEXAS).

b. Cultivation: Propagation is by seed, suckers, and leaf cuttings in autumn. Agarito grows in a 

variety of habitats including flat pastureland, lower alluvial flats, ephemeral drainage channels, 

mesa sides, and dry, stony hills. It prefers a semiarid climate with plenty of sun and a variety of dry, 

well-drained soils (FED).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Although not commercially available, berries are widely 

consumed in Texas and made into jelly, baked goods, and drinks (NATURE-AGARITA).

d. Preparation for cooking: Whole berries consumed raw or processed into jelly and wine; seeds

roasted and used as a coffee substitute (FED).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit, roots and leaves contain berberine and other alkaloids that are 

poisonous in high concentrations (FED). 

f. Medicinal aspects: Roots and rhizomes traditionally used to treat toothaches and stomach 

ailments; used as an antibacterial, antitumor, and tonic (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE; FED).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: New Mexico, Texas, Arizona; no yield data is available (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northern Mexico; no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: fruit, harmful organism host (crop diseases); wine, jelly, medicinal purposes, dye, coffee substitute,

ornamental (FED, GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole berry, seeds, roots (FED). 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: Proposed for Group 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, (PLANTS DATABASE), PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

TEXAS, FED, NATURE-AGARITA.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 6, 8, 9, 10 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MAHTR (listed as Mahonia trifoliolata (MORIC.) FED)
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1. Almondette [(chirauli-nut, chirauli-nut-tree, cheronjee, chironji (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Buchanania lanzan Spreng.

2. Medium-size evergreen tree that grows 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 ft.) tall. Grows in the dry, deciduous 

tropical forests of India, Burma, and Malaya. Branches are hairy; the bark is rough, dark grey or black and

fissured with prominent squares. The trunk is straight and cylindrical. The dark green leaves are broadly 

oblong with a rounded base and measure 8 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) by 4 to 12.5 centimeters (1.6 to 5 

inches). Small flowers are axillary and on 5 to 15 centimeter (2 to 6 inch) long terminal panicles. Individual 

flowers are 0.6 centimeters (0.2 inch) in diameter and contain 4 to 5 greenish-white petals. Fruit is a hard, grey 

to black round drupe with a single seed that ranges in size from 0.7 to 1.5 centimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inch) in 

diameter. The skin is smooth. Both the pulp and seed are widely consumed in India and are considered one of 

the country’s most delicious wild fruit. The seed is roasted and used as a substitute for almond. Oil produced 

from the seed is used as an olive or almond oil substitute. The bark yields tannin, wood is used for firewood, 

leaves are used as fodder, and all parts of the tree contain medicinal purposes (PERENNIAL, MEDICINAL, 

JANICK, ALMONDETTE). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from January to March and harvesting occurs April to June (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Fruits are grown in the hot topical-monsoon climate in dry, open deciduous tropical

forests containing yellow sandy-loam soils. Grown up to an elevation of 500 meters (1,640 feet). 

Propagation is by seed, rooting cuttings and tissue culture. Fallen ripe fruit are collected; the tree 

may be cut down to obtain the fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fallen ripe fruits are collected from the wild in India (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp is eaten fresh or dried; seeds are a substitute for almonds and 

are roasted or used in baking; oil from the seed is used as an olive or almond oil substitute. From the 

seeds, a traditional Indian dish called ‘Chironji Ki Burfi’ is prepared. Fruit is used in sweets and 

confectionery products (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: The seed contains 59% fat, 12% starch and up to 22% protein (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: In India, the roots, leaves, fruits, seeds, oil and gum are used; roots and leaf juice 

are used as an expectorant; the leaves aid in digestive problems; used as an expectorant, aphrodisiac 

and purgative; the seed oil treats skin diseases and swelling; used in coating tablets for slow release; 

the gum aids gastrointestinal problems; gum is used to treat pain and diarrhea (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Malaya; yields are 1 to 5 

kilograms (2 to 11 pounds) per tree with an average weight of 0.27 grams (0.009 ounce). Approximately 

1,500 tonnes (1,653 pounds) of fruit are collected annually from the wild in Central India (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK).

6. Use: Human food (nut), medicinal purposes, fruit pulp, seed oil, firewood; leaves are used for fodder; 

bark yields tannin; host of the Kusumi lac insect; herb (GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (JANICK). 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: Proposed for Group 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, PERENNIAL, MEDICINAL, JANICK.

11. Production Map: No entry.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BUHLZ 
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017

1. Ambarella [(Jobo de la India, Jew-plum, Golden-apple, Otaheite-apple, Wi-tree, yellow- plum, makopa, 

Polynesian-plum, casamangue, pomme cythère, prune cythère, Goldpflaume, ambarella, Great hog plum, 

Prunier de Cythère (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Anacardiaceae

Spondias dulcis Sol. ex Parkinson [(syn: Spondias cytherea Sonn. (GRIN)]

2. A rapidly-growing, upright symmetrical deciduous tree growing 9 to 25 meters (30 to 82 feet) tall. A 

native of the Indo-Malaysian region to Tahiti. The crown is rounded. Bark is smooth and light grey-brown. 

Leaves are pinnate and 20 to 60 centimeters (8 to 24 inches) in length. Leaves are composed of 9 to 25 

glossy, elliptic or obovate-oblong leaflets 6.25 to 10 centimeters (2.5 to 4 inches) long. Leaves turn yellow 

and fall at the beginning of the dry season. Fragrant, small yellowish to whitish male and female flowers are 

borne in large, loose, terminal panicles before leaf emergence. Inflorescences measure 50 centimeters (20 

inches) long. Male, female and perfect flowers are contained in the inflorescences. Individual flowers occur 

on short pedicels measuring 0.1 to 0.4 centimeter (0.04 inch). Fruits are long-stalked, contain five shallow 

longitudinal grooves, are ellipsoid or globose in shape and measure 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) long 

by 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) wide. Fruit are grown in bunches of 12 or more. The skin is thin, 

tough and russetted when mature. Hard, smooth, green immature fruits fall to the ground over a period of 

several weeks and ripen to a golden-yellow or orange color. Flesh is yellow, juicy, crisp and subacid with a 

pineapple-like flavor when firm. When soft, the fruit becomes musky and fibrous. Each fruit contains one to 

five flat seeds (BARWICK, MORTON, PERENNIAL, MARKLE, NAGY, VAN WYK, JANICK). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The tree flowers March to May in Florida. Flowering occurs continuously in the humid 

tropics. In other areas, flowering occurs during the dry season. In subtropical areas, flowering 

occurs in the spring. Dwarf varieties produce flowers year-round. In Hawaii, fruit ripens from 

November to April. Fruit ripens from May to July in Tahiti. In Florida, a single tree provides a 

steady supply from fall to midwinter. In the humid tropics, the tree produces fruit continuously. 

Fruit matures in 6 to 8 months. The tree bears fruit in 4 years from seed (MARKLE, MORTON, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grows well in the warm subtropics and tropics in hot, tropical lowlands and full sun. 

Prefers monsoon climate. Tolerant of all types of well-drained soils, shade, drought and elevations 

up to 700 meters (2,300 feet). Trees grown in shade produce little fruit. Not tolerant of frost.

Requires sheltered locations. Propagated by seed, large hardwood cuttings, grafting, shield budding,

or air-layering. Seeds take 1-2 months to germinate. It takes 4 to 5 years to bear fruit from seed or 2 

to 3 years from cuttings. Trees should be spaced 7.5 to 12 meters (25 to 39 feet) apart. Fruits are 

sold while still green (BARWICK, PERENNIAL, MORTON, NAGY, JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets in Vietnam, Laos, Camboida, 

Gabon, and Zanzibar. Consumed when other popular fruits are out of season (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Eaten fresh; juice is used for beverages; crisp sliced flesh is stewed with 

water and sugar and strained to produce a product similar to applesauce. Processed into preserves,

jams and jellies; canned; unripe fruits are used for salads, curries, juices, flavorings; processed into 

jelly, pickles and relishes. Fruits can be dehydrated. Leaves are steamed as a vegetable with salted 

fish or eaten raw (MORTON, NAGY, VAN WYK, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruits contain a high source of vitamin C and small amounts of minerals,

carotenoids, and other vitamins (MORTON, VAN WYK, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit, leaves and bark are used in the treatment of sores, wounds and burns. In 

Cambodia, ambarella bark is mixed with species of Terminalia and used as a remedy for diarrhea

(MORTON, JANICK).

g. Crop photos
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4. Production in U.S.: Home gardens; Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Tropical areas; Melanesia, Polynesia, Indo-Malaysian region to Tahiti, the

West Indies, tropical Asia or Oceania, India, Ceylon, Queensland, Australia, Pacific Islands, Gabon, 

Zanzibar, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, from Puerto Rico to Trinidad, Central America, Venezuela, 

and Surinam; no yield data is available (GRIN, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit eaten fresh; preserves, juice for beverages; sauce similar to apple sauce; green fruit pickled;

ornamental; wood is used for canoes; leaves consumed, medicinal purposes (MARKLE, GRIN, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0285) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, FFVIM, MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, 

PERENNIAL, BARWICK, NAGY, VAN WYK, JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SPXDU
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1. Apak palm [(palma dulce, soyal, soyote (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Brahea dulcis (Kunth) Mart. [(syn: Corypha dulcis Kunth (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing widespread fan-leafed palm tree growing 2 to 7.5 meters (7 to 25 feet) tall and 4 meters 

(13 feet) wide. Apak palm is native from Eastern Mexico to Nicaragua. The tree can grow in a solitary or 

clustering manner. The trunk leans and is 12 to 20 centimeters (5 to 8 inches) in diameter. The canopy 

contains 10 to 15 dull green evergreen leaves that are palmate and sometimes waxy. Petioles are toothed. 

The leaf blade is split into 30 to 50 stiff leaf segments. Inflorescences are long, arching, branched, densley 

hairy and emerge from the leaves. Individual flowers contain male and female reproductive organs. Fruit is

green to brown, ovoid, 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) long and 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) in diameter. 

The skin is hairy. Each fruit contains one seed. The flavor is sweet. Fruit is consumed raw or cooked; can 

be made into preserves. The tree is also used as an ornamental (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, DESERT 

TROPICALS, PACSOA, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: No specific entry. 

b. Cultivation: The native habitat is dry oak woodlands and dry, open, rocky areas with limestone 

soils at elevations of 300 to 1700 meters (984 to 5,577 feet). Requires little water, full sun, and any 

well-drained soil. Grows poorly in humid, tropical to subtropical climates. Hardy to zone 9 and 

temperatures of -5 ° C (23 ° F). Propagation is by seed. Germination occurs in 2 to 4 months. Not 

produced commercially; fruit can be stored for one month or longer (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

DESERT TROPICALS, PACSOA, JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is not produced commercially and are consumed locally, 

when ripe (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit can be consumed raw or cooked; made into preserves (PLANTS 

FOR A FUTURE, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Texas, Arizona, California; no yield data is available (JANICK).

5. Other production regions: Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua,

Central America; no yield data is available (JANICK, GRIN, PACSOA).

6. Use: ornamental, fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, DESERT TROPICALS, 

PACSOA, JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Regions 6, 8 and 10

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
Page	

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1. Appleberry 

Pittosporaceae

Billardiera scandens Sm.

2. An evergreen sprawling groundcover or climber containing wiry, red to brown-grey stems up to 3 meters 

(10 feet) long; may also reach the size of a small shrub and grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) high. Native to the 

eastern states of Australia from South Queensland to Tasmania and South Australia. Leaves are medium 

green, hairy, narrowly oval with a wavy margin and 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) wide by 5 centimeters (2 

inches) long. Shoot tips are hairy and contain a fine white fringe. Pendulous 1 to 2 centimeter (0.4 to 0.8 

inch) long, bright yellow-cream bell-shaped flowers are borne on slender stalks singly or in clusters of 2 or 3 

on the ends of stems in the spring and summer. Petals reflex and tinge with purple as the flower opens and 

ages. Oblong berries, 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long and 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) wide are produced in the 

summer. The hairy, peach-like skin turns from green and purple to yellow when ripe. Fruit is eaten raw 

when it falls to the ground and is roasted when green. The flavor is similar to kiwifruit. Also grown as an 

ornamental (ANBG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers are produced in spring and summer and may persist as the first fruit develops. 

Oblong berries are formed in the summer. Yellow fruit falls to the ground when ripe (ANBG).

b. Cultivation: Grows in coastal heath to sclerophyll forest and inland mallee. Prefers sandy or 

loamy well-drained acidic moist soil. Grows in semi-shade or sun. Hardy to zone 8. Propagation is 

by seed, tip cuttings, and layering (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruits are roasted if still green (ANBG).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Australia (Austr. Capital Terr., New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria,

Eastern states of Australia including Tasmania and South Australia; no yield data is available (ANBG, 

GRIN).

6. Use: fruit, ornamental (ANBG, GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (ANBG).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, ANBG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE.

11. Production Map: No specific entry.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BILSC
Page	

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1. Arazá [(Araçá-boi (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Eugenia stipitata McVaugh

2. Small tree or shrub that is densely branched and 2.5 to 15 meters (8 to 49 feet) tall. Grown in semi-open 

or open areas on old, non-floodable terraces in tropical, highly leached podzolic soils and dense, humid, 

tropical high forests. Grown within the area between the Marañón and Ucayali rivers and where the Amazon 

begins. The bark is flaking. Young branches are covered with short, velvety, brown hairs. Leaves are 

opposite, simple, elliptical to slightly oval and measure 6 to 18 x 3.5 to 9.5 centimeters (2 to 7 x 1.3 to 3.7 

inches). Inflorescences are in axillary racemes with two to five white pedicillate flowers, measuring 1 

centimeter (0.4 inch) wide. Fruit is a sub-spherical berry, 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) in diameter and 

weighing 750 grams (1.7 pounds). The skin is shiny and yellow. The flesh is yellow and thin. Contains a 

small number of oblong seeds measuring 2.5 centimeters (1 inch). Fruit is rarely consumed raw due to 

acidity. Used to make juices, soft drinks, ice-cream, preserves and desserts. Also serves as an ornamental

(AGROFORESTRY, GIACOMETTI).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Plants growing in well-fertilized soils can flower and fruit throughout the year. The 

species is harvested several times a year. Fruits are collected when they start to turn yellow and are

harvested once a week. Precipitation serves to promote the phenoloical processes

(AGROFORESTRY, GIACOMETTI).

b. Cultivation: Plants grow wild and are cultivated on small properties throughout the basin of the 

Solimoes. Plants are beginning to become domesticated. Grows in well drained, rich, loamy soils;

tolerates poor clay oxisols. Requires an elevation of 0 to 650 meters (0 to 2,133 feet), a mean 

temperature of 26 ° C (79 ° F), and an annual rainfall of 200 to 260 centimeters (79 to 102 inches). 

Propagation is by seed. For cultivation, seed beds are established in the shade. Seeds are planted 2 

cm (0.8 inch) apart and lightly covered. Germination is not uniform and takes up to 80 days. 

Seedlings are kept in the bed until they reach a height of 7 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches). Plants 

are then transplanted into polyethylene bags filled with soil and manure and placed into a nursery. 

Plants stay in bags for one year in the shade. Plants are then planted out on the final site, spaced 3 x 

3 meters (10 x 10 feet) apart and fertilized with mature (AGROFORESTRY, GIACOMETTI). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is common on the town markets of Tefe. Plants are

cultivated on small properties in South Amercia (AGROFORESTRY, GIACOMETTI). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit rarely eaten raw due to high acidity. Fruit is prepared into a juice 

and used to make soft drinks, ice-cream preserves and desserts. Processed into jelly from the pulp 

and seed. Excessive cooking destroys the attractive aroma and flavor (AGROFORESTRY). 

e. Nutritional aspects: High protein content comes from the seeds. The nutritional value is similar 

to that of oranges, with the exception of the vitamin C content, which is more than double in 

araçá-boi (AGROFORESTRY, GIACOMETTI). 

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia; can produce approximately 20 to 30 

tonnes of fruit per hectare annually (GRIN, GIACOMETTI).

6. Use: beverage base, fruit, ornamental (GIACOMETTI, GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (AGROFORESTRY).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for Group 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, AGROFORESTRY, GIACOMETTI.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
Page	

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1. Arbutus Berry [(arbutus, strawberry-tree, arbousier commun, fraisier en arbre, Erdbeerbaum, ervedeiro, 

medronheiro, borrachín, madrono (GRIN))]

Ericaceae

Arbutus unedo L.

2. A small to medium tree or multi-stemmed, rounded, evergreen shrub growing 2 to 15 meters (8 to 49 feet)

tall and 2 to 6 meters (8 to 20 feet) wide. Native to Ireland, the North American Pacific Coast, the 

Southwestern United States, Mexico, and the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. Grey-brown to 

cinnamon brown bark is smooth and flakes when mature to reveal dark, red/brown bark underneath. Trunks 

and branches have a twisted appearance. Leaves are are dark green, leathery, glossy, alternate, simple, 

oblong, elliptical or oval in shape with toothed margins, 5 to 17 centimeters (2 to 7 inches) long and 

red-stemmed. Waxy flowers are small, urn-shaped, white or pinkish, similar to blueberry flowers, and are

assembled in drooping panicles about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. Flowers contain both male and female 

reproductive organs. Insects are highly attracted to the flowers. Showy fruits are round, bright red to 

red-orange when mature and about 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) in diameter. Skin texture is rough and 

pebbled. Fruits resemble strawberries in appearance only; the taste is bland and watery. Used as an 

ornamental; bark is used in tanning leather; wood is used as a fuel source. Fruit is consumed by humans and 

birds (GILMAN, FLORIDATA, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, VAN WYK, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from October to December; in some areas, flowering occurs from 

winter to early spring. Fruits mature from fall to early winter. Fruits take 12 months to ripen. 

Flowers appear at the same time the previous-year’s fruit are ripening. When fully ripe, the fruit fall 

from the tree around November to December. Harvested by hand (JANICK, PLANTS FOR A 

FUTURE, GILMAN, VAN WYK).

b. Cultivation: Grows in woodlands, scrub and rocky hillsides on well-drained soils. Hardy from 

zones 8B through 11. Requires part shade/part sun to full sun; tolerates well-drained, dry acidic and 

alkaline soils including clay, loam and sand; Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Cultivated on a 

small scale in the south of France for fruit production (GILMAN, FLORIDATA, VAN WYK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruits are bland and consumed more by birds than humans

(GILMAN). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Raw fruit are undesirable but are consumed; fruit are processed into 

wine, jams, and preserves; dried; used in desserts. Fruits are an ingredient of several fermented and 

distilled alcoholic drinks and liqueurs (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, VAN WYK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Tannin is obtained from the leaves, bark and fruit. The fruit contains 15% 

sugar and about 1% malic acid (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Leaves, bark and roots are an astringent, diuretic, and renal antiseptic. Leaves 

and bark are used to treat stomachaches and urinary tract irritation. All parts of the plant contain 

ethyl gallate, a substance that possesses strong antibiotic activity against Mycobacterium bacteria. 

Bark is rich in tannins and is used medicinally as a dye and preservative (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

JANICK). 

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: The North American Pacific Coast, the southwestern United States; grown as an 

ornamental in the deep south; northern Florida, southern California; no yield data available (FLORIDATA, 

GILMAN, JANICK).

5. Other production regions: Northern Africa, Turkey, Ireland, Mexico, Southeastern and Southwestern 

Europe, wetern Mediterranean region; no yield data available (FLORIDATA, GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Ornamental, beverage base, fruit, medicinal purposes; source of tannin for dyes; wood; nectar plant 

for honey production by bees (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0286) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, GILMAN, FLORIDATA, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ARDUN
Page	

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1. Babaco [(papayo calentano (GRIN))]

Caricaceae

Vasconcellea x heilbornii (V. M. Badillo) V. M. Badillo [(syn: Carica chrysopetala Heilborn, 

Carica heilbornii V. M. Badillo (basionym), Carica heilbornii nothovar. chrysopetala (Heilborn) V. 

M. Badillo, Carica heilbornii nothovar. pentagona (Heilborn) V. M. Badillo, Carica pentagona

Heilborn (GRIN))] 

2. A small, rapidly-growing herbaceous shrub that grows about 3 meters (10 feet) high. Having originated in 

the central south highlands of Ecuador, the babaco is a naturally occurring hybrid of Carica stipulata and 

Carica pubescens. Grown in cool, sunny, subtropical climates, free of frost. The tuberous taproot reaches a 

diameter of approximately 40 centimeters (16 inches) and contains many lateral roots. The erect softwood

single trunk is lined with leaf scars. Large alternate palmate leaves consist of 5 to 7 lobes and contain 

prominent ribs and veins. Leaves are attached to long hollow petioles that radiate from the trunk. Leaf shed 

occurs during the winter months. Yellowish, solitary, bell-shaped female flowers contain 5 petals and dark 

green sepals. Flowers occur on long, pendulous stalks that arise from all leaf axils and measure 3.5 to 4 

centimeters (1.4 to 1.6 inches). There are no male flowers. The large torpedo-like, seedless fruits are 

five-sided, rounded at the stem end and pointed at the apex. Mature, yellow fruits reach a length of 40

centimeters (16 inches), a width of 20 centimeters (8 inches) and a weight of 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds). The 

skin is smooth, thin and edible. The flesh is whitish, juicy, acidic, low in sugar and has flavor overtones of 

strawberry, pineapple and papaya; nicknamed the champagne fruit. Fruit are seedless. Fruit hangs in clusters 

around the trunk. The entire fruit can be consumed. Fruits are locally eaten only after cooking; consumed 

fresh with sugar elsewhere. Fruits also blended into drinks, preserves and pies. Commonly used for making 

sorbets (CRFG, MORTON, HEWETT, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, NAGY, JANICK). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers form during the growth phase of the tree on the newly developing trunk. 

Immediately following flowering, fruits set and grow. Fruit maturity is reached from October to 

November. Ripening occurs from the lower, heavier fruits to those higher up on the trunk (CRFG).

b. Cultivation: Trees prefer wam, protected sunny locations with light, fertile well-drained soil; also 

grown in cool, subtropical climate. Prefers temperatures of 15 to 20 ° C (59 to 68 ° F), at least 4.5 

hours of sunlight, rainfall of 60 to 130 centimeters (24 to 51 inches), and slightly acidic or neutral 

(pH 6.5 to 7) sandy clay soils rich in organic matter. Most cold-tolerant plant in its genus. Grown at 

2,000 to 3,000 meters (6,562 to 9,843 feet) in Ecuador. Not tolerant of wind or heavy frost. 

Propagated by cuttings from 2 year old plants. Cuttings should be 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 

inches) long and 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) in diameter. Rooting occurs in 10 weeks. 

Cuttings may become producing plants within one year. Grown commercially in Australia and New 

Zealand for export; grown in greenhouses in Israel and the Middle East. Cultivated in Ecuador,

since before the arrival of the Europeans. The field must be deeply ploughed before trees are planted. 

Trees should be planted in double rows or triangles at a planting density of one plant per 1.5 square 

meters. Side shoots should be removed for high quality fruiting. After 4 to 6 months of production,

trees should be cut back to just above the soil line. The plant should only be used for 4 production 

cycles. Frequent irrigation and fertilization every three months are needed. Commercially-grown 

fruit is harvested at the first sign of yellow color (JANICK, MORTON, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, CRFG).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruits found in Farmer’s Markets and specialty markets in southern 

California; fruits exported from Australia and New Zealand to various markets; eaten locally in 

Ecuador (CRFG).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruits are locally eaten only after cooking in Ecuador; whole fruits can 

be eaten raw with sugar or added to fruit salads; prepared into beverages, dehydrated fruit powder, 

dried fruit, marmalade, pies and preserves. Eaten fresh with lemon or lime; made into sauces. 

Unripe fruit are cooked as a vegetable, used in curries, and made into relishes, chutneys, and pickles

(MORTON, CRFG, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).
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21

e. Nutritional aspects: Like the papaya, the fruit contains the enzyme papain. The fruit contains 

more water, protein and organic acids than papaya but less sugar and vitamin content. Papaya and 

babaco contain similar mineral composition (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK). 

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: California; no yield data is available (CRFG, JANICK).

5. Other production regions: Colombia, Ecuador; New Zealand, Europe including Italy and Spain, Australia, 

Israel, Middle East, Channel Islands, off the coast of Normandy; most production occurs in Ecuador and

New Zealand. From 1996 to 1999, annual production was approximately 600 tonnes (661 tons) on about 

100 hectares (247 acres). Most of this crop was domestically consumed. The annual yield is 40 to 60 tonnes 

per hectare and ranges from 10 to 100 tonnes. Each plant produces 25 to 80 fruit (CRFG, MORTON, GRIN, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).

6. Use: fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (CRFG).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, CRFG, MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC,

HEWETT, NAGY, JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CIAPE (listed as Carica pentagona HEILB)
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22

1. Bacaba palm

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.

2. A tall, thin, single-stemmed palm tree growing to 20 meters (66 feet) tall. Native to the Central Amazon 

region. Grown throughout the northern Amazon rainforest in lowland rainforests, the palm prefers tropical 

conditions and an elevation up to 1,067 meters (3,500 feet). The trunk is smooth, grey and ringed with leaf 

scars. Tree diameter is up to 30 centimeters (12 inches). The palm contains a grayish-green pseudo 

crownshaft measuring 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. The leaf crown is shaped like a shuttlecock and contains 8 to

20 drooping plumose, spirally arranged pinnate leaves that measure 5 to 6 meters (15 to 20 feet) long. Each 

leaf contains hundreds of olive green linear pendulous leaflets measuring 30 to 100 centimeters (12 inches)

long by 3 to 7.5 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) wide. Leaflets are brown and hairy on the undersides. Leaves 

are attached to 0.3 to 0.6 meter (1 to 2 foot) long green petioles. Inflorescence branches are 1.2 to 2 meters (4 

to 7 feet) long. Inflorescences resemble a horse’s tail. Each inflorescence contains approximately 200 

pendulous creamy yellow, reddish, or scarlet flowers that are borne in clusters of three, containing one 

female flower and two male flowers. Male flowers are yellowish, pointed, contain 6 stamens and measure 

0.6 centimeter (0.2 inch) long. Female flowers are round and 0.6 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) in 

diameter. Purple-black fruit is round, grows in clusters on long branches, and measures 1.3 to 2 centimeters 

(0.5 to 0.79 inch) in diameter. The skin is thin, smooth, and contains a whitish bloom. Pulp is oily and 

whitish in color (FLORA, PACSOA, TROPILAB, HAYNES, ROECKLEIN, RIFFLE 2003, FAO BOOK). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from June to August; fruit ripens 6 to 8 months later. The tree can 

produce fruit out of season. Fruit are produced when trees reach a height of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 

feet) and an age of 6 years (FAO BOOK).

b. Cultivation: Tropical climate with sun to partial shade conditions; prefers a moist, sandy,

well-drained area. Grows well in flooded and non-flooded areas in rainforest ecosystems; may form

high-density stands. Adapts to disturbed forests and new grasslands. Requires well-distributed 

annual rainfalls of 150 to 300 centimeters (59 to 118 inches). Thrives in USDA Hardiness zones 9B 

to 11. Tolerant of high temperatures, fire, poor, heavy clay oxisols of the Amazon, and 2 to 4 

months of dry season. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Propagated by seeds. Germination occurs in 

4 months. Seedlings tolerate heavy shade. Fruit is harvested once the color changes from green to 

purple-black. Fruit are obtained by climbing the tree and cutting bunches of fruit. Tall trees have 

been cut down to obtain the fruit. Fruit can only be stored for a few days. Oil yields are too low for 

commercial interest (PACSOA, TROPILAB, JANICK, FAO BOOK).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is widely used in Northern South America as a source of 

vinho de bacaba. Fruit are rarely seen in markets (JANICK, FAO BOOK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is soaked for one hour to soften and loosen the pulp and skin, 

which is removed. Fruit is then smashed with a mortar and pestle. The emulsion is decanted and 

filtered. Sugar and thickner is added before drinking. Wine produced from the fruit is called vinho 

de bacaba. Oil is extracted by by adding macerated pulp to boiling water. The oil is similar to olive 

oil in taste (PACSOA, JANICK, FAO BOOK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Palm hearts are eaten fresh or canned and are high in vitamin C and calcium. 

Large amounts of fruit emulsion provide a good source of fat, calories and protein (ROECKLEIN, 

FAO BOOK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific data.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Northern South America, Brazil, Peru, Central America, Bolivia, Northern 

Amazonia in the Guyanas, southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia; 1 to 3 bunches per year are obtained per 

wild tree. Approximately 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of fruit are obtained per tree per year. More fertile trees 

provide 2 or more times this yield (GRIN, HAYNES, FAO BOOK).
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6. Use: Fruit, beads, oil, palm hearts; fruit oil is used as a moisturizer and emollient; waste from the fruit is 

fed to pigs and chickens; leaves are used for thatching; wood is used for tools (GRIN, HAYNES, 

ROECKLEIN, FLORA, PACSOA, TROPILAB, RIFFLE 2003, FAO BOOK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit flesh (PACSOA).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, FLORA, PACSOA, TROPILAB, HAYNES, 

ROECKLEIN, RIFFLE 2003, JANICK, FAO BOOK.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: OECBA
Page	

24

1. Bacaba-de-leque 

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Oenocarpus distichus

2. A tall, thin, single-stemmed palm tree growing 5 to 18 meters (16 to 60 feet) tall. Native to northern central 

Brazil and the northeastern tip of Bolivia to the Amazon River. Grown on non-flooded soils in lowland 

rainforests. The light gray to white trunk is 30 centimeters (one foot) in diameter and contains widely spaced 

dark rings of leaf base scars. The grayish-green pseudo crownshaft is about 1 meter (3 feet) tall. Erect and 

slightly arching leaves are plumose and pinnate. Approximately 9 to 12 leaves are arranged in a single flat 

plane and grow only from two opposite sides of the trunk. This palm differs from Oenocarpus bacaba by its 

opposite leaves. Each leaf measures 3 to 5 meters (10 to 15 feet) long. Petioles are less than 30 centimeters (1 

foot) long. Each leaf contains 40 to 130 pairs of shiny olive-green drooping leaflets that are about 1 meter (3 

feet) long and grow from the rachis in different planes. Inflorescences are reddish-brown and on 1 meter (3 

foot) long flowering branches (rachises) that hang down. One palm contains 50 to 160 rachises. The branches

(rachises) contain round, purple-black fruits that are 1 centimeter (0.5 inch) long. The skin is smooth. Fruit 

pulp may be white or red in color. In Brazil, the oily fruits are used to prepare a wine called vinho-de-bacaba. 

The edible fruit oil can be extracted (RIFFLE 2003, PACSOA, JANICK, DESTINATION).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: No specific entry.

b. Cultivation: Grown in a tropical or warm subtropical climate in sunny conditions. Prefers moist, 

well drained soils and conditions below 350 meters (1,148 feet). Grows best on sandy soils of 

seasonal dry land forests in Southeastern Amazonas and the transitional vegetation of the savannas. 

Plants are propagated by seed. Germination is 2 to 4 months. Not a cultivated fruit tree (PACSOA, 

FPI, JANICK, DESTINATION).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Consumed locally in Brazil and the Southeastern Amazonas

(RIFFLE 2003, JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are consumed raw and are used to prepare wine called vinho de 

bacaba; edible fruit oil is extracted (RIFFLE 2003, JANICK, DESTINATION).

e. Nutritional aspects: Bacaba wine, which is made from the fruit, is a high calorie beverage 

(DESTINATION).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northern central Brazil, northeastern tip of Bolivia to the Amazon 

River in the lowland rainforests; southern margins of the Amazon basin; no yield data is available (RIFFLE

2003, PACSOA).

6. Use: fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp (RIFFLE 2003).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, RIFFLE 2003, PACSOA, FPI, JANICK, 

DESTINATION.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
Page	

25

1. Bayberry, Red [(Chinese-arbutus, yang mei, yama-momo, yumberry (GRIN))]

Myricaceae

Morella rubra Lour. [(syn: Myrica rubra Siebold & Zucc. (GRIN))]

2. An evergreen tree growing 20 meters (66 feet) tall. Indigenous to the forests of central and southern Japan 

and China. Grown in coastal districts with warm, humid climates. The canopy is full and broad. The bark is 

brownish-grey and rough with vertical wrinkles. Obovate to elliptic leaves are 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 

inches) long and numerous near the ends of the branches. Leaves remain on the tree for 12 to 14 months. 

Both female and male flowering shoots contain 15 to 20 inflorescences that each bear 20 to 30 catkins. 

Each catkin is made up of 4 to 6 male or up to 25 female flowers. Male flowers are bright red, contain 2 

stamens, form a corymb surrounded by greenish-white bracts and measure 0.7 to 3 centimeters (0.3 to 1 inch)

long. Female flowers are in axillary, erect spikes and measure 1.2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) long. 

Pollinated by wind. Dark red, purple-black, white or pink fruit is a globose to ovoid drupe that grows 1.2 to 

3.0 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) in diameter. The skin has a knobby surface and is waxy. The flesh is red. 

Each fruit contains a cherry-like stone. Fruit are consumed raw and cooked. The fruit has been used as a 

food crop for 7,000 years. The plant has many medicinal purposes; grown as an ornamental (PLANTS FOR 

A FUTURE, PHILIPPINES, EFLORAS, GRIN, ISHS, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers occur during the spring; distal flowers open first and the flowering period occurs 

for 30 to 50 days; fruit ripens from mid-June to early July. Fruit mature in 60 to 70 days (ISHS, 

JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical to temperate climates. Annual temperatures should be greater than 

14 °C (57 °F) and annual rainfall should be 130 to 170 centimeters (51 to 67 inches). The tree 

requires any moist, lime-free loam or peat well-drained soil and an open location in sun or light 

shade. Prefers sandy loams to clay soils and a pH of 4 to 5.5. Most fruit in China are grown on 

hillsides and slopes. Tolerates winter temperatures of 2 to -9 °C (16 to 36 °F), less-fertile soils, and 

shade. Does not tolerate wind. Propagated by seed, grafting, cuttings, layering and suckers. 

Stratified seed should be sown during the early winter. Germination occurs during the spring. In 

mid- to late spring, seedlings should be transplanted. For commercial purposes, 600 trees per 

hectare should be planted. Fertilizers should be applied three times per year to aid growth. Trees 

should be pruned during the spring and fall. Fruit is highly perishable. Storage life is 9 to 12 days at 

0 to 2 °C (32 to 36 °F) or 1 to 2 days at 20 °C (68 °F). The tree can remain in production for up to 30 

years. The major area of production is Southeastern China. Grown largely south of the Yangtze 

River and north of Hainan Island (PHILIPPINES, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, ISHS, JANICK).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Sold as “Yumberry” juice on the internet; fruit are cultivated in 

Southeast Asia but are difficult to grow commercially (SEACOAST, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are prepared into juice, sweets, jam and wine; canned in syrup, 

cooked, or eaten raw (SEACOAST, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, ISHS).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contains OPCs, the strongest class of free radical scavenging 

antioxidants; high in vitamin C, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, and carotene; the fruit contains 

high levels of polyphenolics, including anthocyanins and flavonoids (SEACOAST, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The fruit and roots have been used in traditional Chinese medicines for 

centuries. The plant is used for heart ailments, and stomach conditions; bark has many uses 

including treatment of asthma, earaches, toothaches, stomach ailments, fevers, and skin conditions; 

the fruit is used for respiratory and digestive health; roots are used for healing wounds (PLANTS 

FOR A FUTURE, PHILIPPINES, JANICK).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data; grown for ornamental purposes (GRIN, JANICK).

5. Other production regions: China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines; grown in Europe as 

an ornamental; China is the principle grower of red bayberries. In 2002, China produced 200,000 hectares

(494,210 acres) and approximately 700,000 tonnes (771,618 tons) of fruit. The main growing province, 
Page	

26

Zhejiang, produced 48,000 hectares (118,611 acres) and 160,000 tonnes (176,369 tons) in 2002. In other 

areas, production is from wild trees (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: fruit, dye, erosion control, medicinal purposes (GRIN, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, PHILIPPINES, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

SEACOAST, EFLORAS, ISHS, JANICK. 

11. Production Map: No specific entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MYRRU (listed as Myrica rubra (LOUR.) SIEB. & ZUCC.)
Page	

27

1. Bignay [(Chinese-laurel, salamander-tree, antidesme, Salamanderbaum, bignai, Herbert River Cherry

(GRIN))]

Phyllanthaceae. Also placed in: Euphorbiaceae, Stilaginaceae

Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng. [(syn: Antidesma dallachyanum Baill., Stilago bunius L. (basionym)

(GRIN))]

2. A shrubby evergreen bush or large tree. Can vary from the size of a shrub (3 to 8 meters or 10 to 26 feet) 

to the size of a large tree (15 to 30 meters or 50 to 100 feet). Native to the lower Himalayas in India, Sri 

Lanka and Southeast Asia to the Philippines and Northern Australia. Grown in tropical conditions in full sun 

or part shade. The tree contains wide-spreading branches that form a dense crown. Dark-green, glossy, 

leathery leaves are alternate, oblong, pointed and 10 to 22.5 centimeters (4 to 9 inches) long by 5 to 7.5 

centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide. Leaf petioles are short. Flowers are tiny and reddish with a strong scent. 

Male flowers are produced in axillary or terminal spikes; these flowers emit an odor resembling fish. Female 

flowers are in terminal racemes 7.5 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) long. Male and female flowers are 

produced on separate trees. Fruit are round or ovoid, 0.8 cm (1/3 inch) across, and occur in grapelike, 

hanging clusters. Fruits ripen unevenly from yellowish-green to bright-red and nearly black. Skin is smooth, 

thin and tough. The bright red fruit juice stains the fingers and mouth. Pulp is 0.3 centimeters (1/8 inch) 

thick and white. The taste is subacid and slightly sweet when ripe. There is one stone per fruit. Fruits are 

consumed both raw and cooked; leaves are eaten raw and cooked; bark is used in producing rope. Leaves are 

used for medicinal purposes (MORTON, TRADE WINDS, BARWICK, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Indonesia, the trees flower in September and October and the fruits mature in February

and March. Fruiting season is July to September in North Vietnam and the Philippines and late 

summer through fall and winter in Florida; trees bear fruit in 4 to 5 years from seed and 2 to 3 years

from cuttings (MORTON, JANICK). 

b. Cultivation: Trees thrive from sea-level to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in full sun to part shade and 

are spaced 12 to 14 meters (40 to 45 feet) apart. One male tree is planted for every 10 to 12 females. 

Propagation is by cuttings, grafting or air-layering (MORTON).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Sold in bunches at markets in Indonesia; fruit used to be sold 

commercially in southern Florida as a source of juice for jelly (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are cooked with fish in Indonesia; a mixture of ripe and unripe fruit 

are made into jam and jelly; the fruit juice is used to make syrup and has been fermented into wine 

and brandy. Leaves are eaten raw in salads, stewed with rice, or mixed with vegetables (MORTON, 

BARWICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: The bark contains a toxic alkaloid (MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: Leaves are used to treat snakebites in Asia (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Florida. Yield varies greatly if grown from seed. A mature tree in Florida has 

produced 15 bushels (529 liters) of fruit in a season (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: China, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indo-China, Malesia region (Indonesia, 

Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines), Northern Australia, lower Himalayas and Southeast Asia; 

ornamental in Israel. The tree is cultivated in Malaysia and grown in every village in Indonesia; no yield 

data is available (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK).

6. Use: Ornamental, fruit, wood, medicinal purposes, rope (bark) (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, BARWICK, FFVIM, MORTON, TRADE WINDS, JANICK.
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28

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ATDBU
Page	

29

075

1. Bilimbi [(bilimbi-tree, cucumber-tree, tree-sorrel, zibeline, Bilimbibaum, Gurkenbaum, bilimbí, grosella 

China (GRIN))]

Oxalidaceae; also placed in Averrhoaceae

Averrhoa bilimbi L.

2. A medium-sized attractive tree reaching a height of 5 to 15 meters (16 to 50 feet). Cultivated throughout 

tropical Asia, India, Queensland, Australia, Central and South America, and the West Indies. Grown in 

tropical climates with full sun. Closely related to the starfruit (Averrhoa carambola). This long-lived tree 

contains a short trunk with many upright branches. Compound leaves are clustered at the branch tips and are

alternate, imparipirmate and 30 to 60 centimeters long. Each leaf contains 11 to 40 alternate or subopposite 

hairy medium-green leaflets that are ovate to oblong in shape. Leaflets are 2 to 10 centimeters (0.75 to 4 

inches) long and 1.2 to 1.25 centimeters (0.5 to 1.125 inches) wide. Clusters of 18 to 64 yellowish-green,

purplish, orange-red, or dark red flowers are small, fragrant, and five-petalled. Petals are 1 to 3 centimeters 

(0.4 to 1.2 inches) long. Flowers are borne in small, hairy panicles emerging from the trunk and oldest 

branches. Gherkin-shaped fruit is ellipsoid, obovoid or cylindrical and five-sided with a star-shaped calyx at 

the stem-end and 5 hair-like floral remnants at the apex. Mature fruits are 4 to 10 centimeters (1.5 to 4 inches) 

long and 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide. Clustered fruits turn from bright-green to yellowish-green or white 

when mature and fall to the ground. Fruit skin is glossy to waxy, smooth, thin, soft and tender. The flesh is 

green, jelly-like, juicy and acidic to sour. Each fruit contains several flat seeds. Fruits are consumed raw 

when prepared into a relish. Juice is prepared into drinks or used as a cleaning agent on metals. Fruit is used 

to deliver a tart tang to foods and beverages. Due to acidity, fruits are usually cooked and prepared into 

chutney. Various parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes (MORTON, TROPILAB, TRADE 

WINDS, MARKLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In India and Florida, the tree begins to flower in February, then bloom and fruit 

continuously until December ; fruit reach maturity 50 to 60 days from anthesis (MARKLE, 

MORTON, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Cultivated in tropical to warm subtropical lowland locations throughout the world. 

Requires full sun, rich, moist, well-drained soil, and yearly evenly-distributed precipitation with a 2 

to 3 month dry season. Hardy in zones 9B to 11. Tolerant of a number of soils. Not tolerant of frost 

and drought. Less wind and cold tolerant than the starfruit. Propagated by seeds, air layering, 

grafting and cuttings. Hundreds of fruit can be produced from a single tree. Fruit are picked by hand 

and must be handled gently; keeping quality is only a few days. More often found in the garden than 

cultivated as a crop (MORTON, TROPILAB, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, 

JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Grown and consumed locally throughout the year; fruits sold 

fresh at local markets (MORTON, VAN WYK). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is extremely acidic/sour and usually not eaten raw. To reduce 

acidity, the fruit is pricked and soaked in water overnight, or soaked in salted water then boiled with 

a large quantity of sugar to make jam or jelly. Processed into chutneys and preserves. Half-ripe 

fruits are salted, placed in the sun and pickled in brine. In Costa Rica, green, uncooked fruits are 

prepared into a relish and served with rice, beans, fish or meat; used in curries and pickles. Slices of 

the fruit are served with salads or chilli as a side dish. Aluminum utensils should not be used when 

preparing the fruit. Juice is prepared into beverages. Flowers are preserved with sugar (MORTON, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, JANICK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit juice contains 5 percent oxalic acid; pH is 4.47. Ripe fruits are low in 

calories but rich in malic acid, minerals (especially iron), and vitamin C (MORTON, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK).
Page	

30

f. Medicinal aspects: Leaves are used for skin conditions, venereal diseases, itches, rheumatism,

coughs and bites; an infusion made from the flower aids in coughs; fruit are used to quicken 

recovery after fevers, aid coughs, aid certain nervous system disorders, treat inflammation, and treat

digestive conditions (MORTON, JANICK). 

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Limited production in southern Florida, Puerto Rico and Hawaii (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Tropical South Asia, India, Central America, West Indies, South America, 

Queensland, Australia, Zanzibar; widely cultivated in the tropics. Found worldwide. Cultivated throughout 

Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka on a small scale; used as a backyard tree; no yield 

data is available (GRIN, MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruits used to make beverages, relish, chutney, preserves; pickled; medicinal purposes; cleaner

(MARKLE, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0288) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, MORTON, MARKLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC,

TROPILAB, TRADE WINDS, JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: AVRBI
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1. Breadnut [(Mayan breadfruit, noyer à pain, Brotnußbaum, apompo, capomo, ojoche, ramón (GRIN))]

Moraceae

Brosimum alicastrum Sw. [(syn: Alicastrum brownei Kuntze, Brosimum uleanum Mildbr., 

Helicostylis bolivarensis Pittier, Piratinera alicastrum (Sw.) Baill. (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing tree reaching a height of 20 to 45 meters (66 to 148 feet). Breadnut is native to Mexico and 

Central America and a canopy tree of tropical rainforests. The tree has a pyramid-shaped crown, hanging 

branches, dense foliage, thin, rough, grey bark with many lenticels, white sticky latex, and a straight trunk 

with a diameter of 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet). Wood is yellowish white, yellowish bronze or light brown in 

color. The trunk may exude a yellow gum. Glossy green leaves are simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate to 

elliptical in shape, and 4 to 18 centimeters (1.6 to 7 inches) long by 2 to 8 centimeters (0.8 to 3 inches) wide. 

Leaves contain pointed deciduous stipules and 0.2 to 1.0 centimeter (0.08 to 0.4 inch) long petioles. The tree 

is mostly evergreen, unless it is exposed to extremely dry conditions. The inflorescence is composed of a 

spherical head. Each head consists of male flowers surrounding a single female set of flowers in the center. 

Yellow male flower heads contain a rudimentary perianth without a corolla and one stamen. Female flowers 

are green, and contain an inferior ovary. The tree is wind pollinated. Orange fruit are round to ellipsoid 

drupes that range in size from 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) in diameter. The pericarp is thick, scaly 

and greenish-orange. Each fruit contains a small amount of sweet pulp and one to three shiny, oily, 

yellowish-brown seeds that range in size from 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) in diameter. Seeds 

contain nutty kernals and resemble potatoes or chestnuts in flavor. The tree is an important forage plant in 

the Yucatan. Fruit were a staple food during Mayan times (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, ROCAS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In some areas, flowering occurs intermittently all year. In other locations, flowering 

occurs from January to June. Fruit ripening occurs from April to September. In southeastern 

Mexico, the plant blooms from April to July and fruits from June to October. There are two to three 

periods of bloom and fruiting per year in Florida. Fruit production occurs in 5 to 6 years from seed 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, ROCAS).

b. Cultivation: Requires a hot, humid to subhumid tropical climate with a seasonal dry period and 

full sun or bright shade. Grows in tropical forests or dry limestone woodlands. Prefers annual 

rainfalls of 60 to 400 centimeters (24 to 157 inches), elevations of sea level to 1,000 meters (3,281 

feet), temperatures of 15 to 37 ° C (59 to 99 ° F), and a mean annual temperature of 27 °C (81 °F). 

Grows best in well-drained, fertile soils with organic matter. Adapts to shallow calcareous or rocky 

soils and acid utisols poor in nutrients and rich in organic matter. Tolerant of a variety of soil 

conditions, a pH from 6.8 to 8.2, short and light frosts, salt spray, shade, droughts, and seasonal 

flooding. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or air layers. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 

hours before planting into containers. Germination occurs in 28 days. After seedlings reach 30 to 

50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) tall, trees should be planted 10 by 10 meters (33 by 33 feet) apart in 

the field. The tree is not commercially grown on a large scale (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, 

ROCAS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit and seed are consumed fresh or cooked. The fruit is boiled or 

processed into jelly. The seed is prepared similar to chestnuts and may be boiled or roasted to 

remove bitterness. Seeds are ground like flour and mixed with maize meal to make tortillas, baked 

with green plantains, used as a substitute of cocoa or roasted and used instead of coffee. Diluted sap 

is used as a milk substitute and added as an adulterant to chewing gum (PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit and nut are good sources of calcium. The nut is high in protein, 

starch, vitamins A and C and carbohydrates. Seeds have a high tryptophan content (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit, leaves and latex have been used medicinally. An infusion of the leaves 

or latex is used to treat coughs, asthma, diabetes and bronchitis. The infusion of the bark is used as 

a tonic. Latex is used to increase milk production in mothers after childbirth (JANICK, ROCAS).

g. Crop Photos
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4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America, Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica), Northern South 

America (Guyana, Venezuela), Brazil, Western South America. Approximately 7 to 8 tonnes (8 to 9 tons) of 

fruit can be harvested from 125 trees/hectare in the Yucatan. Yields of mature trees can reach 50 to 70 

kilograms (110 to 154 pounds) of fruit per year (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: medicinal purposes, ornamental, fruit; leaves, branches and seeds are used as cattle feed; wood is 

used for construction, firewood, railroad ties, veneer, floors, tool handles, packing boxes, cabinets and 

furniture (GRIN, JANICK, ROCAS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Propoed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, JANICK, BARWICK, 

ROCAS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BSMAL
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1. Cabeluda

Myrtaceae

Plinia glomerata (O. Berg) Amshoff [(syn: Myrciaria glomerata O. Berg (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A large shrub or small tree that is 3 to 7 meters (10 to 24 feet) in height and native to Brazil. Grown in 

humid, tropical conditions. This plant contains multiple thin trunks. Young branches and leaves are hairy. 

Dark green leaves are opposite, elliptical and acute, 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide and 10 centimeters (4 

inches) long. Flowers are small, white, and occur in axillary clusters. Yellow fruit are round and about 2.5 

centimeters (1 inch) in diameter. The skin is pubescent. Each fruit contains one to two seeds. Fruit flavor is 

similar to apricot. Fruits are eaten fresh or processed into juices and jams (TOP TROPICALS,

FRUITIPEDIA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruiting occurs in 2 to 3 years from seedlings (FRUITIPEDIA).

b. Cultivation: Requires a tropical, humid climate with moist, fertile soil and full sun or partial 

shade. The tree is fairly cold tolerant and can withstand temperatures up to -3 °C (27 °F). 

Propagated by seed (TOP TROPICALS, FRUITIPEDIA).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are eaten fresh or processed into juices and jams (FRUITIPEDIA).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruits are nutritive and rich in vitamins (FRUITIPEDIA).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Brazil; cultivated in S. Brazil and Paraguay; grown in other parts 

of South America; no yield data is available (GRIN, FRUITIPEDIA).

6. Use: ornamental, fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, TOP TROPICALS, FRUITIPEDIA.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Cajou (pseudofruit) [(anacardier géant, cajuaçu, merey, merey montañero (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Anacardium giganteum Hance ex Engl.

2. A large forest tree that grows to a height of 25 to 50 meters (82 to 164 feet). Native to eastern Amazonia,

Brazil and Guiana. The crown is wide and the trunk is straight and up to 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter. Bark is 

thick and slightly rough. Roots are large and grow deep in the ground. Leaves are simple, smooth, leathery,

alternate, clustered at branch tips, obovate in shape, and 20 centimeters (8 inches) long by 12 centimeters (5 

inches) wide. The apex of the leaf is rounded, the base is wedge shaped and the undersides of the leaves are 

pubescent. The petiole is up to 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) long. The inflorescence is a spreading terminal 

panicle with numerous secondary and tertiary branches at 90° angles. Individual fragrant flowers are 

greenish-white, white, pink or red in color and contain 5 ovate-lanceolate petals that measure 0.6 to 0.7 

centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long by 0.2 centimeters (0.08 inch) wide. Male flowers contain 8 stamens 

measuring 0.7 to 0.8 centimeters (0.3 to 0.3 inch) long. A relative of the cashew, the fruit is a kidney-shaped 

drupe that is 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. This is attached to a large, pear-shaped false fruit (pedicel) that 

measures 7 centimeters (3 inches) long and 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter. The skin is red, smooth and shiny. 

The pulp is pink and juicy. It has a sweet or acid and astringent flavor similar to strawberries. The small 

kidney shaped nut is edible and tastes similar to the cashew. The peduncle is eaten fresh or prepared into juice 

(FOOD & FRUIT, PERENNIAL, SMITH, FAO BOOK, DESTINATION TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in December in Brazil; in other areas, flowering occurs during the start 

of the rainy season from November to February; fruiting occurs December to April (PERENNIAL, 

FAO BOOK).

b. Cultivation: Grows in hot, humid tropical lowlands, dryland forests, flood plains, and the 

non-flooded areas of the rainforest; sometimes found on the high flood plains where the soils are 

briefly waterlogged. Prefers clay soils, mean annual temperatures of 28 °C (82 °F), annual rainfalls of 

200 centimeters (79 inches), and elevations up to 300 meters (984 feet). Requires hot, humid tropical 

conditions. Propagation is by seed. Germination occurs in 6 to 8 days. Rarely cultivated. Fruit are 

collected from the ground (PERENNIAL, FAO BOOK, DESTINATION TROPICALS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is collected and consumed locally. Fruit are sold at local 

markets and and urban markets in Belém, Pará, Brazil (SMITH, TRADE WINDS).

d. Preparation for cooking: The Tiriyó Indians of the Paru River in eastern Amazonia collect large 

quantities of the fruit in season and prepare it into a fermented drink mixed with cassava; the fruit is 

consumed raw and processed into juice. The edible nut is removed from the hull and is roasted. The 

fruit is used more than the nut (SMITH, TRADE WINDS, FAO BOOK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: The nut is rich in fat, calories, protein and oil. The peduncle is rich in vitamin 

C and calories (PERENNIAL, FAO BOOK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northern South America, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Guiana, the 

Amazon; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL, FAO BOOK).

6. Use: fruit, nut, beverage, source of disease resistance to anthracnose; wood is used for building; 

ornamental (GRIN, SMITH, FAO BOOK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (nut) and pedicel (false fruit) (FAO BOOK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Pseudo-fruit and nutmeat.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None
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10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FFVIM, SMITH, PERENNIAL, TRADE WINDS, FAO BOOK,

DESTINATION TROPICALS.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Cambucá

Myrtaceae

Marlierea edulis Nied. [(syn: Rubachia glomerata O. Berg (GRIN))]

2. A small, slow growing evergreen shrub or tree that measures 5 to 12 meters (16 to 39 feet) tall. Native to 

the Brazilian southeast coast near Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Thrives in hot, rainy climates. The trunk is 

short and reaches 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) in diameter. The smooth, thin, pale brownish-gray

bark is flakey, revealing a copper layer below. The tree contains a wide, dense crown of spreading branches. 

The dark green evergreen leaves are opposite, smooth, leathery, glossy, elliptic-acuminate in shape, and 

contain a curled margin. Leaves measure 5 to 16 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long by 3 to 5 centimeters (1 to 

2 inches) wide. Petioles are finely hairy, short and measure 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters (0.2 to 0.6 inch). The 

white, sessile flowers are clustered in groups of 2 to 8 over the branch axils or distributed around the stem. 

Berries are short stalked and round. Immature fruit are green and turn yellow to bright orange-yellow when 

ripe. The skin is smooth, leathery, thin and contains many slightly raised longitudinal ridges. Size ranges 

from 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) in diameter and 55 to 140 grams (2 to 5 ounces) in weight. The flesh 

is soft, juicy and orange-yellow. Within the fruit, there are one to two hard, oblong flattened light purple 

seeds. The flavor is subacid to sweet and tastes similar to the jaboticaba. Fruits are eaten out of hand or used 

to make jams, juices, or desserts; the tree is used as an ornamental or for medicinal purposes. The bark is 

used in the leather industry; the wood is used for furniture and tools (FRUITIPEDIA, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Rio de Janeiro, flowering occurs from late October to December. Fruit ripening 

happens between December and February. During the last stage of ripening, the fruits fall to the 

ground, bruising the skin. During rainy years, an additional winter crop occurs between August and 

September (FRUITIPEDIA).

b. Cultivation: Grows in hot, rainy regions with temperatures between 9 to 42 °C (48 to 108 °F) and 

annual rainfall around 200 centimeters (79 inches); well adapted to many different cooler and drier 

climates. Propagated by seeds. Seeds remain viable for no more than one week when kept dried or 

four weeks when preserved in moss. Seeds are covered with 0.5 to 1 centimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inch) of 

soil and watered 2 times per day. Sprouting occurs in 2 to 5 months. Seedlings are planted 8 meters 

(26 feet) apart in an area protected from sun and wind 10 to 12 months after germination when they 

are 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) high. Mature trees prefer a deep, rich, well drained soil in 

full sun. Young trees are pruned regularly. Rarely cultivated (FRUITIPEDIA). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Only a few rare fruit growers’ orchards and botanic gardens grow 

the plant. The fruit was widely found at the Rio de Janeiro markets 60 years ago but today this is no 

longer true due to devastation of its natural environment (FRUITIPEDIA).

d. Preparation for cooking: Eaten fresh after cutting around the middle of the fruit and removing the 

interal pulp with a spoon. External flesh is used to make jams, marmalades, pies, juice, and ice 

cream (FRUITIPEDIA).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: A decoction of the leaves and seeds are used in homeopathic formulations 

against bronchitis and coughs (FRUITIPEDIA).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Some seedlings were planted in 1993 in Florida and Hawaii; no yield data is available

(FRUITIPEDIA).

5. Other commercial production regions: Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil; can produce large yields. 

One tree can produce more than 500 fruit (GRIN, FRUITIPEDIA).

6. Use: fruit, juice, ornamental, medicinal purposes; bark used in the leather industry; wood (GRIN, 

FRUITIPEDIA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (FRUITIPEDIA).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FRUITIPEDIA, TRADE WINDS. 

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MRLED
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1. Carandas plum [(Egyptian carissa, ciruela de Natal (GRIN))]

Apocynaceae

Carissa edulis Vahl 

2. A branching, spiny evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5 meters (16 feet). Native to Africa. The 

bark is smooth, gray, and contains straight woody 5 centimeter (2 inch) straight spines growing in pairs. The 

tree emits milky latex. Leaves are opposite, leathery, shiny, dark green, ovate to ovate-elliptic, occasionally 

almost circular, and 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.4 inches) long by 1.8 to 3 centimeters (0.7 to 1.2 inches) wide. 

The leaf stalk is short and measures 0.1 to 0.4 centimeters (0.04 to 0.2 inches) long. Fragrant pink-white, 

purple-white, or red-white flowers are in terminal clusters that measure 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) in 

diameter. Individual flowers are slender, tubular, 1.8 centimeters (0.7 inch) long and about 2 centimeters 

(0.8 inch) in diameter. Pollination is by insects. The purple-black fruit is a solitary berry that is ovoid to 

spherical and reaches up to 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth. The flesh is reddish 

in color. The flavor is sweet to sour and resembles the taste of an unripe cherry. Contains 2 to 4 seeds. Ripe 

fruits cause teeth to stain dark red (PERENNIAL, FAMINE, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers March to August. Fruit matures in 60 days. In southern Africa, flowering 

occurs from Septmeber to December and fruiting occurs from November to January (PERENNIAL, 

AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Requires a hot climate with low rainfall. Grows at forest edges, in forests, 

woodlands, coastal thickets, rocky hillsides, in clay soils including black cotton soils, and in dry and 

moist low and midlands at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters (4,921 to 8,202 feet). Propagation is 

by seed and cuttings; consumed as a famine food (PERENNIAL, FAMINE, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh in both the ripe and unripe stages. Locals boil 

unripe berries and make porridge. It is also processed into jam and vinegar. Roots are added to 

water gourds, soups and stews to add flavor. Important food species in Ethiopia and other parts of 

Africa. Consumed during famine periods (PERENNIAL, FAMINE).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Important medical species in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Roots contain 

the active ingredient carissin, that may prove to be useful in the treatment of cancer; twigs contain 

quebrachytol and cardioglycosides that are used to destroy tapeworm. In Guinea, boiled leaves are 

used to relieve toothaches; a mixture of root bark and spices are used to to cure a number of problems 

such as pain, inflammation, venereal diseases, and ulcers (FAMINE, AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northeast tropical Africa, west tropical Africa, south tropical 

Africa, southern Africa, Madagascar, Yemen, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Myanmar, 

Indo-China; no yield data is available (GRIN, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: fruit; sheep and goats eat the leaves of the plant; hedge/ornamental; source of firewood; roots are 

used as a snake repellant in Kenya; medicinal purposes (GRIN, FAMINE, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, FAMINE, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CISED
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127

1. Carob [(St. John’s Bread, Carob bean, algarrobo, locust-bean, caroube, caroubier, Johannisbrotbraum, 

alfarrobeira, alfarrabeira, caroba (GRIN))]

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae); also placed in: Caesalpiniaceae

Ceratonia siliqua L.

2. An evergreen tree reaching 15 to 17 meters (50 to 55 feet) in height and 3.6 meters (12 feet) in diameter. 

The trunk may reach 85 centimeters (33 inches) in diameter. The bark is brown and rough. Native to the 

eastern Mediterranean, most likely the Middle East. Leaves are evergreen, dark green, glossy, leathery,

pinnate, elliptic, or ovate in shape, and occur in pairs of 2 to 6. Individual leaves are 3 to 7 centimeters (1.2 

to 3 inches) long and contain 6 to 10 opposite leaflets. Leaflets are dark green, leathery, oval, rounded at the 

apex, and measure 2.5 to 6.25 centimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) long. Trees shed leaves in July every other year 

and renew them during the spring. Green-tinted red flowers are numerous, tiny and measure 0.6 to 1.2 

centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inch). Flowers occur in short, slender racemes borne in clusters along the branches. 

Most trees are monoecious, with individual male and female flowers. The pod is light to dark brown, oblong, 

flattened, straight or slightly curved with a thickened margin. Fruits reach 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 

inches) long, 1 to 3.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1.4 inches) wide and 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) thick. The surface is

brown, wrinkled, leathery, glossy, tough and fibrous. Inside, there is a soft, semi-translucent, pale-brown 

pulp and 10 to 13 smooth, glossy, brown, flattened, ovate-oblong (0.8 to 1.0 centimeter (0.3 to 0.4 inch) long)

hard seeds. Immature pods are green, moist and very astringent. Ripe pods are sweet when chewed. The 

broken pod has an odor resembling Limburger cheese, due to the 1.3% isobutyric acid content; the pod has 

many food uses. The tree can live for over a century (MARKLE, MORTON, GIBSON, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from August to October in some areas and late fall to early winter in 

other areas. The pods are harvested before winter rains. Fruit production is 10 to 12 years from 

seeding and 5 to 6 years from grafting. Bloom to maturity is in 6 to 8 months (MORTON, PLANTS 

FOR A FUTURE, MARKLE, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grown throughout the Mediterranean region in the warmest areas near the coast in

sandy, well-drained loam; prefers warm temperatures and subtropical areas; slightly hardier than the 

sweet orange. Ideal precipitation for fruit set is 35 centimeters (14 inches). Higher yields are 

obtained with precipitation of 50 to 55 centimeters (20 to 22 inches). Pods should not be exposed to 

rain after turning brown. Tolerates a number of soils including rocky hillsides, deep sand or heavy 

loam that is well-drained, drought, mild and dry areas with poor soils, and hot and humid coastal 

areas. Does not tolerate acid or wet soils. Young trees suffer frost damage. Mature trees can 

survive a temperature drop to -6.67 °C (20 °F). Propagated by seeds, budding, cuttings, and grafting. 

Seeds must be scarified and soaked before planting. Swollen seeds are planted in flats. When the 

second set of leaves is produced, plants are transferred to pots. When 30 centimeters (12 inches) tall, 

plants are transplanted to nursery rows and spaced 9 meters (30 feet) apart. Pruning, and 

fertilization aid yield. Cultivated for seeds and pods. The pods are harvested before winter rains; 

harvested by shaking the branches with a long pole. Pods are caught on canvas sheets laid on the 

ground. Pods are sun-dried for 1 or 2 days until the moisture content is reduced to 8% or below. 

Then pods go through a kibbling process, which involves crushing and grading into 4 catagories, 

cubed, medium-kibbled, meal and seed kernels (MORTON, JANICK, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Pods are exported to Russia and central Europe; pods used to be 

regularly sold by street vendors in the Italian section of lower New York City for chewing; “health 

food” products are produced and sold in the U.S. as a substitute for chocolate (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Besides being chewed as a sweetmeat, pods are processed into 

cocoa-like flour which is added to cold or heated milk for drinking or combined with wheat flour in 

making bread or pancakes. A flour made by beating the seeded pods is used in breakfast foods. A 

fine flour is used to make confections, especially candy bars. The pulp is used as a choocate 

substitute in desserts. The pods can be coarsely ground and boiled in water to yield a thick, 
Page	

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honey-like syrup or molasses. The seeds or “bean” yield a tragacanth-like gum called “Tragasol” 

which is a commercial stabilizer and thickener used in bakery goods, ice cream salad dressings, 

sauces, cheese, salami, bologna, canned meats and fish, jelly, mustard and other products. The seed 

residue after gum extraction is made into a starch and sugar- free flour. In Germany, the roasted 

seeds are used as a substitute for coffee. Infusions of the pulp are fermented into alcoholic 

beverages (MORTON, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

e. Nutritional aspects: The pods are rich in sucrose and protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B and several 

important minerals. Carob has one-third the calories of chocolate, is rich in pectin, is non-allergenic, 

has abundant protein, and has no oxalic acid. The pods contain up to 1.5% tannins, which interfere 

with the body’s utilization of protein. Food enriched with carob fiber aid in prevention of 

hypercholesterolemia; rich in polyphenolic antioxidant; production of citric acid from pod extracts

(GIBSON, MORTON, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The pods are used to treat gastrointestinal problems and inflammation; 

seedpods are used in the treatment of coughs. Flour made from the ripe seedpods is used to soothe 

the skin. The seed husks and bark are used as an astringent. Leaves are used to cure colds (PLANTS 

FOR A FUTURE, JANICK).

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Numerous scattered trees are found in semitropical areas. Adapted to Southern 

California in the foothills and in the desert. Carob trees are planted in Texas, Arizona, California, and 

Florida. In California, a 6-year-old tree yields approximately 2.25 kilograms (5 pounds) of fruit and a 

12-year-old tree yields approximately 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of fruit (FACCIOLA, MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Coastal regions of the Mediterranean, especially Sicily, Southern 

Arabia, Cyprus, Malta, Spain, Portugal, Southern Sardinia, Italy, Turkey, Syria, Southern Jordan, Egypt, 

Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, and Lebanon; commercially produced in Israel, India and Pakistan;

introduced into Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Australia and Brazil. Productivity increases with age; a 25 to 

30-year-old tree may produce 90 kilograms (200 pounds) of fruit. In Israel, individual trees produce 204 to 

227 kilograms (450 to 550 pounds). Ancient trees in the Mediterranean have produced 1,360 kilograms 

(3,000 pounds) in one season. Annual world production of carob seed is approximately 350,000 to 500,000 

tonnes (385,809 to 551,156 tons) produced from approximately 200,000 hectares (494,211 acres). In 2007, 

the main carob producers were Spain (72,000 tonnes (79,366 tons)), Italy (26,000 tonnes (28,660 tons)), 

Morocco (25,000 tonnes (27,558 tons)), Portugal (23,000 tonnes (25,353 tons)), Greece (15,000 tonnes 

(16,535 tons)), Turkey (12,161 tonnes (13,405 tons)) and Cyprus (3,839 tonnes (4,232 tons)) (GRIN, 

FACCIOLA, GIBSON, MORTON, JANICK, FAOSTAT).

6. Use: Pulp is eaten fresh or pods and seeds are ground and processed as chocolate substitute. Can also be

used for livestock feed; seed gum is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, 

detergents, paint, ink, shoe polish, adhesives, sizing for textiles, photographic paper, insecticides, and match 

heads; used in tanning; flavoring, sweetener, thickening agent, ornamental (shade/shelter), beverage base, 

charcoal, fuelwood; leaves are used for bioethanol; alcohol, gum/resin, medicinal purposes (GRIN, 

MARKLE, MORTON, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: All of pod and seeds (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole pod with seed. In U.S. only the bean is sampled. 

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0291and FT 4121) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, GIBSON, MORTON, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, FACCIOLA, 

MARKLE, JANICK, FAOSTAT.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 6, 8 and 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CEQSI
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1. Cashew (pseudofruit) [(cashew apple, anacardier, Acajubaum, Kaschubaum, Nierenbaum, cajú, cajueiro, 

anacardo, marañón, merey (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Anacardium occidentale L. [(syn: Anacardium microcarpum Ducke (GRIN))]

2. A low-branched, spreading, medium to large fast-growing evergreen tree that reaches 12 meters (40 feet)

in height. Native to northeast Brazil. Bark is rough and contains resin and acrid sap. Branches are twisted 

and crooked; branches touching the ground take root. Leaves occur in terminal clusters, are leathery, simple, 

alternate, oblong-oval or obovate, 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 

inches) wide. Fragrant flowers are yellowish-pink, 5-petalled, and borne in 15 to 25 centimeter (6 to 10 inch)

terminal panicales; male, female and bisexual flowers are found on the tree. The true fruit is the cashew nut

that is shaped like a boxing-glove. The fruit consists of a double shell containing a caustic phenolic resin in 

honeycomb-like cells, enclosing the edible kernel; the fruit reaches 3 centimeters (1 inch) long and 2.5 

centimeters (1 inch) wide. The fruit (nut) develops first. When the fruit (nut) is full-grown but not yet ripe, 

its peduncle or receptacle becomes plump, fleshy, pear-shaped or rhomboid to ovate. The comma-shaped 

nut grows outside and underneath the cashew apple. The mature cashew apple grows 8 to 10 centimeters (3

to 4 inches) in length and approximately 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide. The skin of the cashew apple is 

smooth, waxy, yellow, red, or red and yellow in color. The yellow pulp is spongy, fibrous, juicy, astringent 

and acidic. Cashew apple is consumed by humans and animals; nuts are consumed; cashew apple juice is 

used for medicinal purposes; trees are used to control erosion (MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

DUKE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers are borne at the beginning of the dry season. Flowering may occur over several 

weeks. Fruits are borne singly or in small clusters, and mature during the dry season, in 

approximately 60 to 90 days. The flowering stage to the ripe fruit stage requires about 3 months. 

The cashew apple and nut abscise from the tree naturally when ripe. Mature fruit falls to the ground 

and the cashew apple dries away. Due to high labor requirements in commercial nut plantations, it is 

most practical to twist off the nut and leave the apple on the ground for animal grazing. In wet 

weather, the fruit are manually gathered each day and dried for 1 to 3 days. Cashew apples are 

highly perishable and require frequent harvesting (RIEGER, DUKE, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Grown in moist, warm temperate to very dry tropical conditions. Cashew can 

tolerate annual precipitation of 7 to 20 cm (28 to 80 inches), average annual temperatures of 24 to

28 °C (75 to 83 °F) and a relative humidity of 65 to 80%. Tolerant of deep, well-drained, sandy, 

poor soils; requires a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. Drought tolerant and high rainfall and humidity favor 

diseases. No cold tolerance. Propagation is by seed that is planted directly in the field. For 

commercial purposes, plants are spaced 6 to 11 meters (20 to 35 feet) apart. Fruits are produced 

after three years (RIEGER, DUKE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Cashew nuts are extremely popular and are sold worldwide in 

markets. Nuts are sold around the world in the roasted and salted form. Where labor costs are very 

low, cashew apples are gathered up and taken to markets or processing plants. Cashew apples are 

extremely perishable and usually spoil within one day (MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

d. Preparation for cooking: The processing of cashew nuts is difficult. Nuts must be roasted to drive 

off caustic cashew nut shell liquid before they are shelled. The nuts are consumed in many dishes. 

The cashew apple may be consumed fresh, but contains high quantities of tannins. The apple is 

more often cooked, steamed, partially dried, or candied. Frequently, apples are preserved in syrup 

or processed into jam. Juice is extracted from the cashew apple to produce an alcoholic drink called 

feni (RIEGER, MORTON).
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42

e. Nutritional aspects: The cashew apple contains high quantities of tannins, yielding a bitter taste. 

Cashew nuts are a good source of iron, potassium, and zinc. They contain protein and are low in 

saturated fat. They contain no cholesterol and are slightly higher in carbohydrate content than most 

other nuts, except for pistachios (RIEGER, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

f. Medicinal aspects: Cashew apple juice without the removal of tannin, has been used as a remedy 

for sore throats and gastrointestinal problems in Cuba and Brazil. The juice is a potent diuretic. The 

brandy is applied to the skin to relieve rheumatism pain. The fruit, bark, and nut oil are used as 

rememdies for calluses, corns, warts and ulcers. Bark, seed oil, fruit, and leaves are used for a 

variety of medicinal purposes ranging from the treatment of colds to malaria (MORTON, DUKE).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Cashews are not produced commercially in the U.S. (RIEGER).

5. Other commercial production regions: Central America, Mexico, northern South America, Brazil, 

Colombia, Kenya; cultivated in the tropics. The top ten cashew production countries in 2004 were Vietnam, 

India, Nigeria, Brazil, Tanzania, Indonesia, Guinea-Bissau, Cote D’Ivoire, Mozambique, and Benin. 

According to FAOSTAT, in 2007, production of cashew apple was 1,660,000 tonnes (1,829,837 tons) in 

Brazil, 120,600 tonnes (132,939 tons) in Mali, 68,000 tonnes (74,957 tons) in Madagascar, and 15 tonnes 

(17 tones) in Guyana. These were approximate measurements. Average yields range from 0 to 48 kilograms

(0 to 106 pounds) per tree per year and 800 to 1,000 kilograms (1,764 to 2,205 pounds) per hectare. Cashew 

is the number one tree nut crop in the world (GRIN, FAOSTAT, RIEGER, MORTON, DUKE).

6. Use: beverage base, fruit, nut; seeds consumed; materials including beads, gum/resin, lipids; medicinal 

purposes; vertebrate poison (mammals); tree is used for erosion control; receptacle used as forage; seeds 

yield edible oil; the shells or hulls of the fruit yield a black, acrid oil that is used as a preservative and 

water-proofing agent in insulating varnishes,in oil and acid-proof cements and tiles, in brake-linings, as a

lubricant in airplanes, and in termite proofing timbers. Wood is used to make furniture, boats, packing cases, 

and in the production of charcoal. Bark is used in tanning. Stems exude a clear gum used in pharmaceuticals 

and as a substitute for gum arabic (GRIN, MORTON, DUKE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Receptacle and nut (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Pseudo-fruit and nut. 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0292and FT 4121) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, DUKE, RIEGER, 

FAOSTAT.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANAOC
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43

1. Ceylon iron wood 

Sapotaceae

Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard [(syn: Mimusops hexandra Roxb. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A small to medium evergreen tree growing 3 to 20 meters (10 to 66 feet) in height. Grown throughout 

central India and the Deccan Peninsula of India in dry evergreen forests. The tree contains a spreading 

crown and a straight massive trunk. Bark and branchlets are smooth and gray. Leaves are clustered near the 

ends of branchlets and are smooth, leathery, simple, alternate, elliptic-obovate or oblong, rounded, or 

emarginate at the tip. Blade size ranges from 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long by 2.5 to 5 centimeters

(1 to 2 inches) wide. Leaf-stalks are 0.8 to 2 centimeters (0.3 to 0.8 inch). Flowers are white or pale yellow 

and 0.4 centimeters (0.2 inch) in size. Flowers are borne in leaf axils and may be solitary or in clusters of 2 

to 5. Velvety sepals are ovate to triangular in shape and grow 0.3 to 0.4 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch). Petals 

are oblong and 0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch). The thick flower stalk is 1 to 1.8 centimeters (0.4 to 0.7 inch) long. 

Fruits are 1 to 2-seeded, reddish-yellow to yellow berries that are obovoid-oblong or ellipsoid in shape, 1 to 

1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) long and 0.8 centimeters (0.3 inch) across. The skin is smooth and shiny. 

Seeds reach 1 centimeter (0.4 inch). Fruits are consumed and fruits, bark and seed oil have many medicinal 

purposes; trees are used for many purposes (WARRIER, INDIA, FRUITIPEDIA, HU, EFLORAS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from December to February (EFLORAS).

b. Cultivation: Trees grow wild in dry evergreen forests in India; cultivated on a small scale in 

gardens, especially near big cities where there exists a good market for the fruits (FRUITIPEDIA, 

EFLORAS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruits are considered to be a seasonal delicacy and sell at fairly 

high prices in Indian metros (FRUITIPEDIA).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruits are very sweet and are consumed raw by people (FRUITIPEDIA).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: The tree is used as a general tonic; bark is used for a variety of conditions 

including reduction of fever, gastrointestinal problems, poison control and removal of parasites. 

The bark also retards the fermentation of toddy (wine). Fruit is used to smooth the skin, stimulate 

the appetite, aid bronchitis and leprosy. Seeds are used to cure ulcers and eye conditions. Seeds 

contain 25% oil which is used as a skin softner (WARRIER, FRUITIPEDIA). 

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indo-China 

(Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam); Taiwan, Hainan; no yield data is available (GRIN, HU, 

EFLORAS).

6. Use: fruit, graft stock for sapote, medicinal purposes, wood; leaves are used as fodder; the tree yields a 

gum; bark contains 10% tannins used for tanning; bark retards the fermentation of toddy (GRIN, 

FRUITIPEDIA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (FRUITIPEDIA).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole Fruit. 

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, WARRIER, INDIA, FRUITIPEDIA, HU, EFLORAS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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44

1. Ceylon olive 

Elaeocarpaceae

Elaeocarpus serratus L. 

2. A medium evergreen tree that grows to 18 meters (59 feet) tall. Native to Ceylon and India evergreen 

forests. Bark is brown and smooth. Branches are smooth and contain leaf scars. Leaves are leathery, simple, 

alternate, spiral and clustered at the ends of branches. The leaf blade is elliptic, 5.5 to 12.5 centimeters (2 to 

5 inches) long and 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide. The leaf margin is serrate. The petiole is 1.2 to 

4 centimeters (0.5 to 1.6 inches) long. Flowers are white, fringed and contain 5 petals. Located in axillary or 

terminal branched clusters. Green fruit are oblong to ovoid drupes that are 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. 

The skin is dull and smooth. Individual fruit contain 3 to 4 seeds. The fleshy part of the fruit is sub-acid. 

Consumed both ripe and unripe. Fruits resemble large olives (CEYLON, BIOTIK, ASIA, MACMILLAN). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Principle season is May to June (MACMILLAN).

b. Cultivation: Grown as a subcanopy tree in evergreen to semi-evergreen forests up to 1600 meters 

(5,249 feet). Thrives in the moist, low country. Propagated by seed (BIOTIK, MACMILLAN). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is boiled, pressed flat, and sold with a twist of paper 

containing salt and chilli powder at roadside stalls. In Asian shops it is possible to buy these fruits in 

a light pickling liquid of salt, sugar and vinegar. They are labeled ‘Thai olives’ (ASIA). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is eaten ripe and unripe. Made into pickles. The unripe fruit is first 

boiled, then squashed flat so the flesh cracks open around the seed, but the seed is left in. Whole 

fruit, together with tiny reddish purple shallots are immersed in the mixture known as Country 

Mustard. This pickle is known as veralu acharu. Unripe fruits are also consumed at roadside stands 

after they are boiled, pressed and seasoned with salt and chilli powder. Ripe fruits are softer, 

sweeter, and eaten with palm sugar. Fruits are also pickled in a liquid of salt, sugar and vinegar 

(ASIA, TAIWAN EMAIL).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malesia (Indonesia, Malaysia); 

no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: ornamental, fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit. 

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, TAIWAN EMAIL, CEYLON, BIOTIK, ASIA, MACMILLAN.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
Page	

45

1. Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande 

Myrtaceae

Eugenia aggregata (Vell.) Kiaersk. 

2. Small, multi-branching tropical evergreen tree growing to 8 meters (26 feet) tall. Native to Brazil. Grown 

in moist tropical to subtropical conditions. As the tree ages, the bark peels off, revealing a smooth trunk. 

Smooth, glossy, waxy dark green leaves are narrow elliptic, 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long and borne 

on short grooved petioles. Small white flowers are showy. Fruit is oblong in shape and 2 to 3 centimeters

(0.8 to 1.2 inches) in diameter. The skin is deep red to purple in color, smooth and shiny. Individual fruit 

contain up to 2 round, white seeds. Pulp is yellowish orange. Fruit resembles the grumichama, but is more 

elongated and larger. Sweet, cherry-like flavor (PERENNIAL, TRADE WINDS, DESERT TROPICALS,

QUISQUALIS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs March to April in Florida. The flowering season may last for several 

months, occasionally throughout the first part of May. Fruit ripens on the bush 3 weeks after the 

blossom. Fruiting season is usually April throught June. Fruit matures in 60 days (PERENNIAL, 

DESERT TROPICALS, QUISQUALIS).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical to subtropical conditions in a variety of soils. Slightly acid soils 

are preferred ad requires full sun. Not tolerant of drought. Large amounts of water are required 

during bloom and fruit development. Mature trees tolerate temperatures down to -6 °C (21 °F). 

Propagation is by seed and grafting. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years from seed. When first 

planted, trees require a complete fertilizer in a 1-1-1 ratio. Established trees require a fertilizer such 

as 8-3-9 at least three times a year. Thrives in USDA zones 9 to 11 (PERENNIAL, DESERT 

TROPICALS, QUISQUALIS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Grown in home gardens. Not grown for commercial production 

(PERENNIAL).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is eaten fresh; made into jellies, jams, juices and preserves. Fruits 

freeze well (PERENNIAL, TRADE WINDS, QUISQUALIS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Grown in Southern Florida; no yield data is available (QUISQUALIS).

5. Other production regions: Tropical America; Brazil; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL).

6. Use: fruit; home garden fruit and ornamental tree (GRIN, PERENNIAL).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, TRADE WINDS, DESERT TROPICALS, 

QUISQUALIS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: EUEAG
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46

1. Chinese olive, black [(wu lan, schwarze chinesische Olive, schwarze 

Kanarinuß, azeitona-preta-da-China (GRIN))]

Burseraceae

Canarium tramdenum C. D. Dai & Yakovlev [(syn: Canarium pimela K. D. Koenig (GRIN))]

2. Large evergreen tree growing 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet) high. Native to the Asian and African tropics. 

The trunk can reach 90 centimeters (35 inches) across and the bark is brown. The tree contains black sap. 

Leaves are pinnate, 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) long and contain 15 to 21 leaflets that are oblong 

or ovate-elliptic. Leaflets are 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long and 3.5 to 7 centimeters (1.4 to 3 inches)

wide, abruptly short-acuminate or obtuse. The base is shortly oblique obtuse and entire. Flowers are small, 

white and in axillary branched clusters. Fruits are oblong drupes that are 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches)

long, 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) across and contain one seed. The skin is smooth and purple-black. 

The fruit is pickled, served as a side dish or flavoring. Fruit has an acrid, unpleasant taste when fresh. Fruits 

resemble European olives in appearance. The seed resembles a walnut in taste (HU, HANBURY,

SIMOONS, FOOD PLANTS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in April to May; fruiting occurs May to November. In Vietnam, 

fruiting occurs October to December (ZIPCODEZOO, FOOD PLANTS). 

b. Cultivation: Grown in forests at 500 to 1,300 meters (1,640 to 4,265 feet). Cultivated for food in 

southern China (Kwangsi, Kwangtung, Fukien, and Szechwan) and Indochina. Cultivated in 

northern Vietnam at altitudes below 500 meters (1,640 feet). The tree requires full sun, deep humid 

soil, and steep land (SIMOONS, ZIPCODEZOO, FOOD PLANTS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Sold preserved with salt in the marketplace (HANBURY).

d. Preparation for cooking: May be eaten fresh after soaking fruit in salt water and drying in the sun. 

May be preserved in sugar, syrup, honey; may be processed with licorice. The stone is removed 

from the fruit and then pickled. Fruit is used in Chinese cooking. The seed is used in southern China 

as the walnut is used in northern China dishes. The seed is lightly fried and mixed with white 

chicken meat; formally a popular ingredient of Cantonese dishes that has now been replaced by the 

cashew nut (HU, SIMOONS).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is fatty; contains iron and calcium; the seed contains protein

(SIMOONS).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruits and seeds have medicinal purposes in China (SIMOONS). 

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indochina; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

SIMOONS).

6. Use: ornamental, fruit, wood; aromatic oil resin known as elemi for varnish, lacquer and printer ink; seeds

carved into beads and ornaments (GRIN, HANBURY, SIMOONS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FI 0293) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FOOD PLANTS, HU, HANBURY, SIMOONS, 

ZIPCODEZOO.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CNBPI (Canarium pimela C.D.KOENIG)
Page	

47

1. Chinese olive, white [(olivier chinois, chinesische weiße Olive, weiße Kanarinuß, azeitona-da-China, 

pisa (GRIN))]

Burseraceae

Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch. [(syn: Pimela alba Lour. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. Tree growing up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall. Native to forests of China, Vietnam and the Philippines. 

Trunk is 1.5 meters (5 feet) in diameter. Bark is light brown and scaly; outer bark is thin and inner bark is 

pinkish brown. Sap is white, aromatic and resinous. Young twigs are covered by reddish brown hairs and 

become smooth with age. Leaves are compound imparipinnate, alternate, and clustered at the tips of

branches. Leaves contain three to six paired leaflets. Leaflets are opposite, elliptic or ovate to oblong-ovate, 

7 to 14 centimeters (2.8 to 5.5 inches) long and 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 2.8 inches) wide. The rachis is 26 to 

28 centimeters (10 to 11 inches) long. Flowers are yellowish-green, have both male and female organs, and 

are grouped in axillary racemes. Fruits are yellowish-green, ovoid to spindle-shaped drupes that are 2.5 to 

4.5 centimeters (1 to 1.8 inches) long by 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) wide. The skin is smooth and 

dull. Each fruit contains 1 to 2 seeds that are a flattened, tapered oval shape and about 1 centimeter (0.4 inch)

long. Fruits occur in clusters of six. Used like olives (JANICK, BIOTIK, PERENNIAL, TRADEKEY). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering in Thailand occurs from March to August and fruits mature from June to 

December; elsewhere the flowering period is from January to May and the fruiting time is from 

April to October (JANICK, BIOTIK).

b. Cultivation: Trees are distributed in primary and secondary forests in China, Japan, Malaysia, 

Northern Vietnam, and Laos. Trees are cultivated in Thailand. Requires a subtropical to cool 

tropical climate. Tolerates a variety of moist soils, from sand to heavy clay; tolerates acid to alkaline 

pH conditions. Grown in areas with elevations of 400 to 1,200 meters (1,312 to 3,937 feet), mean 

temperatures of 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 °F) and a rainfall of 150 to 250 centimeters (59 to 98 inches). 

Tolerates semi-shade conditions. Propagated by seed (BIOTIK, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

JANICK).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: The fruit, seed and resin are exported to Europe for medicinal use 

and for soap and varnish manufacture. Raw fruit is sold on local markets (JANICK, BIOTIK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed raw or cooked; raw fruits have a strong resinous 

flavor. Whole fruits are preserved in either sweet or sour form and are used like olives. The seed is 

edible but is small. It has a delicate flavor, is flaky-textured and is cream in color. Oil is extracted 

from the seed (PERENNIAL, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Seeds are high in fat and protein. The fruit is also fatty and contains iron and 

calcium (SIMOONS).

f. Medicinal aspects: The resin is a stimulant and a substance that reddens the skin; when applied 

externally, the resin is used as an anti-rheumatic. Resin is used in incense making. Oleoresin is 

made into an ointment for ulcers. Fruit is believed to help indigestion and combat drunkenness; can 

be used to stimulate the production of saliva and the appetitie; eliminates apprehension (JANICK, 

BIOTIK, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE). 

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: China, Japan, Malaysia, Laos, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, 

Thailand; no yield data is available (GRIN, JANICK, BIOTIK).

6. Use: fruit, beads, medicinal purposes; fruit, seed and resin are exported to Europe for medicinal, soap and

varnish manufacture; oil is extracted from the seed; resin is used in paint, incense and fragrances; the tree is

grown as an ornamental (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel
Page	

48

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FI 0293) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANCIK, BIOTIK, PERENNIAL, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

SIMOONS, TRADEKEY.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CNBAL
Page	

49

1. Chirauli-nut [(chirauli-nut-tree, Hamilton’s-mombin (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Buchanania latifolia Roxb. 

2. Deciduous tree growing 12 to 18 meters (39 to 59 feet) high. Native to Southeastern Asia. Branchlets are 

dark brown, stout and slightly hairy. Leaves are stalked, alternate, leathery, pubescent underneath, oblong to 

elliptic, obtuse at both ends, 7 to 20 centimeters long (3 to 8 inches) and 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches)

wide. Petioles are 1.5 to 2.2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.9 inches). White to yellowish flowers are hairy, sessile and

in axillary and terminal pyramidal panicles reaching 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. Flowers are composed 

of 5 sepals and 5 petals that are 0.25 centimeter (0.1 inch) long. Fruit is an oblong ovoid drupe that turns 

black when ripe and reaches 0.9 centimeter (0.4 inch) long by 0.6 centimeter (0.2 inch) across. The skin is 

smooth. Fruits and seeds are consumed (MANANDHAR, HU, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE, ECOCROP, 

EFLORAS). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers occur February to March; fruiting occurs May to June. In India, the flowers 

appear in January to March. The fruits ripen and the leaves are shed in April to May. New leaves 

appear in June (MANANDHAR, ECOCROP). 

b. Cultivation: Grows in the deciduous dry forests and valleys at altitudes of 750 to 1,500 meters

(2,461 to 4,921 feet). In India, the tree is adapted to a relative humidity in January from 40 to 80% 

and in July from 70 to 90%. Propagated by seed (MANANDHAR, HU, ECOCROP). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruits are sold in the bazaars in India (H.F. MACMILLAN).

d. Preparation for cooking: Ripe fruit is eaten raw and is sweet. The seed is rich in oil and is used as 

a sweetmeat; seeds are ground and used for making beancurd in Yunnan. Seeds are substituted for 

almonds (MANANDHAR, HU, ECOCROP). 

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: The tannin and gum of the tree have medicinal properties (ECOCROP).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: China, India, Nepal, Indo-China (Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam); no 

yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: nut, fruit, medicinal purposes; wood is used for firewood and to make boxes, doors and furniture; 

bark contains tannin; leaves are used as a substitute for plates; seed oil is used in the manufacture of candies; 

seeds are consumed (GRIN, MANANDHAR, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN)

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, H.F. MACMILLAN, MANANDHAR, HU, ENCYCLOPEDIA 

OF LIFE, ECOCROP, EFLORAS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BUHLA
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1. Ciruela verde [(bunchoise des Andes, ameixa-do-Peru, ciruela de fraile, ciruela silvestre (GRIN))]

Malpighiaceae

Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav.) DC. [(syn: Malpighia armeniaca Cav. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. Small tree or shrub growing 10 meters (33 feet) tall. Native to South America. Trees in the family 

Malpighiaceae contain simple opposite leaves. Flowers are bisexual. Red, orange or yellow fruit are 

ellipsoid, 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) in length and are borne in clusters of 8 to 10. The skin is 

smooth and shiny. The flesh is cream-colored and the flavor is sweet but astringent. Fruit are not commonly 

consumed fresh. More commonly used as a flavoring (CAMPBELL, PERENNIAL, PLANTS FOR A 

FUTURE, ZIPCODEZOO, MOBOT). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Trees flower and fruit throughout most of the year; the tree may produce several crops of 

fruit a year (CAMPBELL, PERENNIAL). 

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical climates at low to middle elevations. Tolerant of a variety of moist 

soils including sandy, loamy and clay conditions with an acidic, neutral or a basic pH. Grows in 

sunny or semi-shade conditions. Propagation is by seed. Trees fruit within 2-3 years from seed. 

Tolerant of freezes; slightly damaged by temperatures of -2 ° C (28 ° F). Only rarely used as a 

commercial crop (CAMPBELL, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, PERENNIAL).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Marketed locally but little potential for development 

(PERENNIAL).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are not highly esteemed for fresh consumption; more commonly 

used as a flavoring. Fruit may be consumed fresh, cooked or preserved; creamy, sweet pulp

(CAMPBELL, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Venezuela, Brazil, Western South America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru; 

no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit; home garden plant (GRIN, CAMPBELL).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, CAMPBELL, PERENNIAL, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

ZIPCODEZOO, MOBOT.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Cocoplum [(icacier, icaquier, prune colon, Icacopflaume, ciruela de algodón, icaco (GRIN))]

Chrysobalanaceae

Chrysobalanus icaco L. 

2. A medium-sized creeping or erect coastal evergreen shrub growing 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet); rarely 

grows into a small tree, reaching 2 to 8 meters (7 to 26 feet) tall. Native to coastal areas of southern Florida 

and the Bahamas through the Caribbean. The plant consists of multiple smooth to scaly brown or grey stems. 

The twigs are green and hairless when young, turning reddish brown with raised lenticels when mature. 

Branches contain two rows of shiny, dark green leathery evergreen leaves that are round or elliptic, alternate 

and simple. Leaves measure 3 to 10 centimters (1.2 to 4 inches) long by 2.5 to 7 centimters (1 to 2.8 inches)

broad. The petiole is 0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch) long. Pubescent cymes measuring 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 

2.4 inches) long are axillary and terminal. Many small white four to five-petaled flowers measuring less 

than 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter occur in clusters. Individual petals measure approximately 0.5 

centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Fruit are subglobose, obovoid, spherical or ellipsoid drupes that measure 1.5 to 

3 centimeters (0.6 to 1.2 inch) in diameter. The thin, smooth skin changes from green to pinkish-white to

brownish purple to black when ripe and resemble plums. The thin flesh is spongy, whitish and slightly sweet 

to tasteless when ripe; immature fruit are astringent. Each fruit contains one large seed with a high edible oil 

content (JANICK, PERENNIAL, DESERT TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers and produces fruit throughout the year. Flowers in two or more flushes a year

(JANICK, PERENNIAL).

b. Cultivation: Grows along the coast in thickets on dunes and rocky headlands up to 500 meters

(1,640 feet); also prefers hot tropical lowlands with shallow poor to fertile soils. Thrives inland

along watercourses, on sandy, nutrient-poor soils. May be found where soil is moist or flooded. 

Grows where competing vegetation is short. Tolerant of wind, salt spray and flooding; requires full 

sun. Grown in USDA zones 10 to 12. Semi-tender; foliage is damaged at -1 °C (30 °F). Propagated 

by seeds and cuttings. Cuttings root in 6 to 8 weeks (JANICK, PERENNIAL, DESERT 

TROPICALS, PIER, FRANCIS). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Important in local areas (PERENNIAL).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are consumed fresh, canned or made into preserves, jelly or jam. 

Fruit is stewed with sugar after the skins have been removed. Seeds are roasted as nuts (JANICK, 

PERENNIAL, DESERT TROPICALS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Various parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine; species is known to 

have hypoglycaemic effects (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Puerto Rico; a large (2.5 meter [8 feet] tall) cocoplum in Puerto Rico yielded 

760 ripe fruit in a single picking (GRIN, JANICK).

5. Other production regions: West-Central and West Tropical Africa, South Tropical Africa, Mexico, 

Central America, Bahamas through the Caribbean, Northern South America, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador; 

cultivated and naturalized in Mascarenes, Vietnam, Melanesia, Fiji and Polynesia; no yield data is available

(GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: fruit, wood for fuel and construction; medicinal purposes; ornamental; erosion control (GRIN,

JANICK, PIER).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, DESERT 

TROPICALS, PIER, FRANCIS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CBLIC
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53

220

1. Date [(Dátil, date palm, palmera datilera, dattier, palmier dattier, Dattelpalme, tamareira (GRIN, 

MARKLE))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Phoenix dactylifera L.

2. A palm with multiple trunks growing to 30 meters (98 feet) tall. The main trunk reaches 40 to 50 

centimeters (16 to 20 inches) in diameter. Native to tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and southern 

Asia; originated from the ancient Mesopotamia area of southern Iraq or western India. Thrives in the desert 

region from Morocco to Egypt, Arabia and Pakistan. Trees were domesticated by 4000 BC. The crown of 

the palm consists of 60 to 150 pinnate leaves that are dark green to grayish, waxy, feather-shaped, and 3 to 8

meters (10 to 26 feet) in length. Enduplicate leaflets are long, narrow and folded upward; leaflets usually 

grow in groups of two or more. Lower leaflets near the base of the trunk are modified into 10 to 15 

centimeter (4 to 6 inch) spines. Individual leaflet lengths reach 61 to 75 centimeters (24 to 30 inches); widths

reach 3.8 to 4.4 centimeters (1.5 to 1.7 inches). Small flowers are yellowish (female) to white (male), waxy, 

and occur on a branched spadix surrounded by a solitary large spathe. The inflorescence arises from the axis 

of the leaves. Male and female flowers are located on different plants. Yellow, greenish, orange red or 

brown oblong, elliptical, rounded or ovoid fruit is 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters long (1 to 3 inches), 2.5 centimeters

(1 inch) in diameter and occurs in clusters of 1,000 to 1,500. The skin is smooth and wrinkles upon drying. 

Pulp is yellowish to reddish brown; flavor is sweet and nutty. Seeds are elongate and pointed at the ends; 

size ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 centimeters (0.08 to 0.1 inch) by 0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) (DUKE, 

MARKLE, PERENNIAL, VAN WYK, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Egypt, dates flower in February and March; ripening occurs in August and September. 

Commercial harvest of the earliest varieties begins in August in the northern hemisphere, with the 

late varieties harvested in November. It takes 6 months for the fruit to ripen from flowering. Trees 

may bear for a century or more (DUKE).

b. Cultivation: Grown in dry subtropical and tropical areas of the world. Requires hot and dry 

conditions for proper fruit maturation. Fruit production is best where there are long, intensely hot 

summers with little rain and very low humidity from pollination to harvest and abundant 

underground water near the surface or irrigation. Tolerant of salt, alkaline conditions, various soil 

types with good drainage, and temperatures to about -5 °C (23 °F). Thrives in conditions with an

annual precipitation of 3.1 to 40.3 cm (12.2 to 158.7 inches), annual temperatures of 12.7 to 27.5 °C

(55 to 82 °F), and pH of 5.0 to 8.2. In cultivation, one trunk is allowed to grow large. Propagation is 

by seed, suckers from the base of the trunk, or tissue culture. Seedlings are planted in nursery rows 

and later transplanted to the permanent location. Fruit production occurs in 5 to 8 years from 

suckers. Trees are planted 9 meters (30 feet) apart with one male tree for every 50 female trees. 

Artificial pollination is practiced. Major fruit crop in arid regions of North Africa and the Middle 

East (PERENNIAL, VAN WYK, JANICK, DUKE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: In traditional date-producing areas, dates are hand sorted in the 

field and sold at local markets. More industrialized date production relies upon packing and storage 

facitlites to hold them until shipped. Important fruit of commerce. Classified as soft, semi-dry or 

dry depending on moisture content. Consumed as a staple food in the Middle East, North Africa, 

and Western Asia (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is eaten fresh or dried, from the middle of the Khalal (largest size 

and highest sugar content) to the Tamar (dried) ripening stage. Fruit may be pressed into a large 

cake, eaten as sweetmeat, or used in jams, desserts, confectionary, sauces, curries, fish and stews 

(including the tajines of North Africa and the ragouts of French cooking). Date honey is made from 

the juice of fresh fruit; date sugar; date paste; pickles; syrups; candies; sap is used in beer and wine 

making; date palm flour is made from the pith of the tree; oil is used from the seeds; palm heart is 

eaten in salads. Pulp is dried and mixed with other foods. The high sugar and low moisture content 
Page	

54

enable dates to keep for long periods of time (VAN WYK, JANICK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a high-energy food source; rich in carbohydrates and sugar (60 to 70% 

of dry weight); very nutritious because fruits contain niacin, iron, potassium, folic acid, magnesium,

numerous vitamins (A, B1 and B2) and minerals. Fruits contain a fair source of calcium, chlorine, 

copper and sulfur; fruits contain a small amount of phosphorus and 16 kinds of amino acids. Low in 

fat and protein. Fruits contain antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties (PERENNIAL, VAN 

WYK, JANICK, DUKE).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruits are used as folk rememdies for many medicinal purposes; regarded as 

an aphrodisiac, contraceptive, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, estrogenic, expectorant, laxative, 

pectoral, purgative and refrigerant (JANICK, DUKE).

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Production in U.S. (2,226 hectares (5500 acres)) is mainly in Coachella Valley, 

California, with some in Arizona. According to the USDA, 23,400 tons (21,228 tonnes) were producted in 

California in 2009. According to FAOSTAT, in 2008, 16,511 tonnes (18,200 tons) were produced in the U.S.

(MARKLE, FAOSTAT, USDA). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Most US imports come from Middle East countries; Grown from 

Morocco to Egypt, Arabia and Pakistan. Introduced to Australia, Mexico and South Africa. Worldwide 

production of dates reached 7,048,089 tonnes (7,769,188 tons) in 2008. The top ten date producing 

countries in 2001 were Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Pakistan, Algeria, Oman, 

Sudan, and Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. The top five date exporting countries in 2001 were the United Arab 

Emirates, Iran, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Iraq. Egypt is the largest date producing country, where production 

has increased to 1,130,000 tonnes (1,245,612 tons) in 2007. Iran is the second largest producing country, 

where production has reached 1,000,000 tonnes (1,102,311 tons) in 2007. Saudi Arabia is the third largest 

producing country, where production has reached 982,546 tonnes (1,083,072 tons) in 2007 (GRIN, 

MARKLE, PERENNIAL, VAN WYK, JANICK, FAOSTAT). 

6. Use: Mainly dried and sold as whole, pitted or chopped for confections or to be eaten out of hand; 

ornamental; beverage base; fodder; fibers from dates provide thread and rigging for boats; wood for 

construction and firewood; medicinal purposes. Seeds are used as animal feed or strung as beads; seed oil is 

used for soap manufacture; leaves are used as matting, baskets, roofing, fencing and shleter (GRIN, 

MARKLE, JANICK, DUKE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fresh or dried fruit (VAN WYK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole dried fruit without pit, which is discarded.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit group, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT0295) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, DUKE, PERENNIAL, VAN WYK, JANICK, 

FAOSTAT, USDA.

11. Production Map: Primarily, EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PHXDA
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1. Davidson’s plum

Cunoniaceae. Also placed in: Davidsoniaceae

Davidsonia pruriens F. Muell.

2. A tree growing to 20 meters (66 feet) tall; possesses thin stems with dark brown to gray flaky bark. The 

canopy is dense and contains many branches with long hairs. Hairs also occur on leaves and are an irritant to 

humans. Native to eastern Australia. Grows in tropical and subtropical rainforests in north Queensland and 

northeast New South Wales. Leaves are compound, lanceolate, have a terminal pinna and are 60 to 120 

centimeters (24 to 47 inches) long. Leaflets are up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. New foliage is hairy and

bright pink in color. Inflorescences are borne on older branches and the trunk. Lateral spikes that range in 

number from two to 24 and range in size from 30 to 80 centimeters (12 to 31 inches) hang downward from the 

tree. Flowers are 0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long, dark pink, and contain four to five sepals. Each 

flower contains both male and female organs. Bluish-black fruit is a laterally compressed obovoid drupe that 

ranges in size from 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) long, 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) wide, and 3.5 to 

4.5 centimeters (1.4 to 1.8 inches) deep. Fruits contain two laterally compressed stones with soft fibers 

originating from the margins. The skin is smooth. Pulp is dark-red and appears similar to the European plum but 

the taste is sour. Fruits occur in clusters of a hundred or more (JANICK, TRADE WINDS, ANPSA, BUSH).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers from February to July and produces fruit from March to June; can flower 

throughout the year (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical and subtropical rainforests in northeast Queensland from sea level to 

1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Tolerant of full to part sun and a range of soil types; prefers moist soil with 

high levels of organic matter. Thrives where there is consistent rainfall throughout the year. Adult 

trees may survive frost but juvenile trees encounter leaf burn. Propagated by seed or tissue culture. 

Trees are planted 2.5 to 5 meters (8 to 16 feet) apart in rows that are 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) apart. 

Large yields are produced by removing apical shoots to induce multiple stems. Mulching, irrigation 

and wind breaks are common cultivation practices (JANICK, ANPSA).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruits consumed locally; important fruit in the bushfood industry

(JANICK, BUSH).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fresh fruit were consumed locally, but today the pulp is processed into 

jams, sauces, salad dressing, wine, juice, cordials, preserved fruit and confectionaries; fruit is used as 

an additive, coloring and flavoring (JANICK, BUSH).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruits contain protein, fiber, vitamin C and minerals including sodium, 

potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and copper (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Cultivated in eastern Australia including north Queensland and 

north-east New South Wales as part of the bushfood industry; no yield data is available (JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, additive, container plant (GRIN, ANPSA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, BUSH, JANICK, TRADE WINDS, ANPSA.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Desert date [(soapberry-tree, dattier du désert, dattier sauvage, héglik, Zachunbaum, betu, hingotia, lalo, 

zachun, mirobalano de Egipto (GRIN))]

Zygophyllaceae. Also placed in: Balanitaceae

Balanites aegyptiacus (L.) Delile [(syn: Ximenia aegyptiaca L. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A spiny evergreen tree growing 6 to 17 meters (20 to 56 feet) tall. An African tropical dryland fruit. The 

tree develops a dense crown that is spherical or hemispherical in shape, drooping branches, and a large 

taproot. The bark is smooth and green when young and thickens, becoming grayish and deeply fissured 

when older. The trunk becomes twisted and fluted with age. Leaves are alternate, leathery and bifoliolate. 

Leaflets are shiny and entire elliptic to ovate. Spines are straight, stout, woody and 12 centimeters (5 inches)

long. Inflorescences are in fascicles or racemes of fascicles. Each cluster contains up to six small scented

greenish flowers that contain both male and female reproductive organs. Flowers open at night. Yellow 

fruit is a cylindrical drupe that is 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long, and 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 

inch) in diameter. Fruit differs in size and pubescence of the skin across different locations. When mature, 

a thin 0.1 centimeter (0.04 inch) brittle skin encloses the thick, fibrous oily pulp that is 0.2 centimeters (0.08 

inch) thick. Within the pulp, there is a 0.5 centimeter (0.2 inch) thick hard-pointed woody pit containing an 

ovoid seed. Fruit flavor is sweet to somewhat bitter. The fruit has been used as a food crop in Egypt and the 

Near East for four millennia (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers January to February in Africa, however flowering periods are variable. Fruit 

develop and ripen over 190 to 250 days. In Senegal, fruit reach maturity in the dry season

(PERENNIAL). 

b. Cultivation: Requires a hot arid climate; does not tolerate humid climate. Fruit still develops in 

unusually dry years. Grows at frost-free elevations from sea level to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in 

fertile, low-lying sites with deep sandy soil and access to water. Also grows well on heavier, fertile 

clay soils with low salinity, open parklands and grasslands. Requires a mean annual temperature 

of >20 °C (> 68 °F) and <25 to 80 centimeters (10 to 31.5 inches) of mean annual rainfall. 

Propagation is mainly by seed. Plants may be propagated by cuttings. Seeds are soaked in warm 

water for several hours before planting time. A loamy nursery medium, a rooting depth of at least 

12.5 centimeters (5 inches), and shade aids germination. Seedlings should remain in the nursery for 

3 to 6 months. Fruiting begins in 5 to 7 years from seed. Full fruiting potential is reached by 25 

years. Trees live for 100 or more years; little progress towards commercial production

(PERENNIAL, JANICK).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Food crop in arid areas; regular rural-market commodity; used 

commercially in the manufacture of steroids; commercial animal feed; cooking oil from the seed is 

marketed (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; used as a supplementary or emergency food. 

Fruit may be dried, fermented to make alcoholic beverages; edible oil-rich seed. Fruit can be stored 

for a year (PERENNIAL, JANICK)

e. Nutritional aspects: The seed serves as a protein-rich component in some areas. Fruit possesses a

significant carbohydrate content. Fruit contains saponin; large levels may harm humans (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Various medicinal purposes. Potential diosgenin and yamogenin source for 

the manufacture of cortisone and corticosteroid drugs; used in steroid manufacture (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico; no data is available (JANICK). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Northern and northeast tropical Africa, east tropical Africa, west 

and west-central tropical Africa, southern and south tropical Africa, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, 

the Azores, Cape Verde, Curaçao, and the Dominican Republic; approximately 100 to 150 kilograms (220 to 

331 pounds) of ripe fruit is produced per tree (GRIN, JANICK).
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6. Use: Food additive (flavoring), human food (gum/mucilage, fruit, oil/fat, vegetable), seed oil is used as 

cooking oil; materials (beads, essential oils, fiber, gum/resin, tannin/dyestuff), medicinal purposes, potential 

source of pharmaceutical agent, non-vertebrate poison (disease vector control), vertebrate poison (fish, 

mammals); kernel cake is used as animal feed for sheep and poultry; wood is used for construction, furniture 

and fuel (GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FI 0296) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Doum palm coconut [(Egyptian doum palm, gingerbread palm, chou palmiste, palmier doum, palmier 

fourchu, Dumpalme, duma, Dum palm (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart. [(syn: Corypha thebaica L. (basionym), Hyphaene crinita Gaertn.

(GRIN))]

2. A palm with a branched trunk that grows 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet) tall. The trunk is 30 to 45 

centimeters (12 to 18 inches) thick. Native to North Africa. Doum palm coconut has been revered as a 

sacred tree; symbolism of masculine strength. The stiff leaves are palmate, 90 to 150 centimeters (3 to 5 feet) 

wide, folding, arching, large, ribbed and contain deeply cut green segments. The petiole contains sharp 

spines. The plant contains separate catkin-like male and club-shaped female branches that arise in clusters 

from between the leaves. White flower clusters are 60 to 90 centimeters (2 to 3 feet) long. Male and female 

flowers are found on separate plants. Individual flowers occur in sunken pits densely arranged on the 

branches. Pollination is by wind. The yellowish-brown fruit is an ovoid drupe that is 8 centimeters (3 inches)

long and 5 centimeters (2 inches) in diameter. The skin is smooth. The pulp is fibrous and tough but is sweet 

and pleasant in taste; resembles carob or ginger (PERENNIAL, JANICK, PACSOA, RIFFLE 2008, TOP 

TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Palms first fruit at 6 to 8 years of age. Fruit ripens in 6 to 8 months and remains on the 

plant until the next flowering season (JANICK). 

b. Cultivation: Grows best in moist, tropical climates in a rich, well-drained sandy loam with a pH 

of 6.5 to 7.5 and sunny conditions. Forms thick stands along watercourses in hot, dry areas. 

Tolerates arid and semi-arid areas with dry tropical or subtropical climate, however fruit size and 

production is lower in these areas. Found in open grasslands and desert. Tolerates moderate salinity 

and nutrient poor soils. Able to withstand some frost. Propagation is by seed and basal offsets. 

Seeds take up to a year to germinate and underground development takes place before the first 

seedling leaf emerges. Seeds are planted singly in deep containers or 20 centimeters (8 inches) deep 

in the ground. Soil must be kept moist for 2 to 3 months while the seed is germinating. Once 

germination occurs, seedlings can withstand up to 10 months of drought (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

PACSOA).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Locally important fruit; local populations have used the fruit and 

seeds for centuries (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp is consumed fresh and mixed with other foods; processed into 

beverages. The rind is made into molasses, cakes and sweet meats. Endosperm of immature seeds is 

eaten fresh (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MULLER).

e. Nutritional aspects: In the deserts of Northern Africa the pulp is a significant source of nutrition. 

Seeds have a high protein (4 to 5%) and oil content; the plumule of the young seedling below ground 

is consumed (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: A variety of medicinal uses (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Egypt, northeast tropical Africa, west and west-central tropical 

Africa; most common in coastal east Africa and in Eritrea; Saudi Arabia, Yemen, western India, Middle East; 

fruit is obtained from wild populations, and therefore no data is available. A mature 6 to 8-year-old tree 

produces approximately 50 kg (110 pounds) of fruit annually (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).

6. Use: Ornamental, fruit, beads, fiber, forage, wood for construction; unripe seeds are edible; ripe seeds are 

used as a weapon; hardened endosperm of the ripe seed is used as vegetable ivory (used to make beads and 

carvings); seeds used as a millet substitute (GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0333) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MULLER, PACSOA, RIFFLE 2008, 

TOP TROPICALS.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: HHYTH
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1. False sandalwood [(tallownut, tallowwood, hai tan mu (GRIN))]

Olacaceae

Ximenia americana L. 

2. A sprawling, low-branching shrub or tree growing 2 to 10 meters (7 to 33 feet). Native to the tropics and 

warm subtropics. The crown is rounded to conical. The trunk is up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter. 

The bark is dark brown to pale grey, and ranges from smooth to scaly. Branches are small, purple-red, waxy, 

and contain straight, slender spines. Leaves are alternate, lanceolate to elliptic, 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3 

inches) long by 1.5 to 4 centimeters (0.6 to 1.6 inches) wide and on short petioles. Young leaves smell like 

bitter almonds when crushed. Fragrant flowers are white, yellow-green or pink and occur in branched 

inflorescences borne on short, hanging axillary racemes or umbels with short, hairy pedicles. Plum-like fruit

are yellow, yellow-orange or red ellipsoid to subglobose drupes that range in size from 2 to 3.5 centimeters

(0.8 to 1.4 inches) long by 1.5 to 3 centimeters (0.6 to 1.2 inches) wide. Immature fruit are green. The skin 

of the fruit is thin, smooth and highly perishable. The pulp is juicy and the flavor is sour to bland. Fruit 

contains one light yellow woody seed that is up to 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) long and 1.2 centimeters (0.5 

inch) thick with a brittle shell (PERENNIAL, JANICK, WIKIPEDIA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit production occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed. Flowering and fruit ripening occurs 

throughout the year. Fruit matures in 50 to 60 days. Flowering and fruiting periods do not seem to 

be governed by climatic regimes (PERENNIAL). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical lowlands or subtropical climates. Found as solitary trees 

dispersed in open, dry savannah, as an understorey of dry forests or woodlands, along seashores, or 

on riverbanks. Prefers ares where there are stony, sandy, clay, clay loam, loamy sand and sandy clay 

soils. Tolerates a mean annual rainfall ranging from 30 to 125 centimeters (12 to 49 inches) and a

mean annual temperature of 14 to 30 °C (57 to 86 °F). Grows at elevations of 0 to 2,000 meters (0 to 

6,562 feet). Tolerant of light frost and drought. Propagation is by seed and cuttings. Because the 

skin of the fruit is thin, fruit are highly perishable and must be picked from the tree (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; fruit are also preserved. Fruit are used to make 

juice, jams, jellies and alcoholic beverages. Seed is eaten fresh or roasted. Oil from the seed is used 

in cooking, as a vegetable butter and as a ghee substitute in southern India. Young leaves are edible 

after thorough cooking and are used as a condiment in Indonesia (PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Seeds contain hydrocyanic acid and serve as a purgative. Bark and crushed 

fruit rind are applied to sores on domestic animals and to keep off fleas. Leaves and twigs are used 

for fevers, colds, mouthwash for toothaches, a laxative, and an eye lotion. Roots are used to treat 

skin problems, headaches, leprosy, hemorrhoids, sexually transmitted diseases, guinea worm, 

sleeping sickness, and oedema; used as an antidote to poison (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands; no yield data is available (GRIN). 

5. Other commercial production regions: East and northeast tropical Africa, west and west-central tropical 

Africa, southern Africa, south tropical Africa, China, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, region of 

Malesia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Australia, Mexico, Central America, 

Caribbean, Northern South America, Brazil, western South America, Southern South America; no yield data 

is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit, oil/fat, lipids (material), medicinal purposes, firewood; bark and roots are used for tanning; 

bark is used to strengthen indigo dyes; heartwood contains an essential oil used for fumigation; flowers have 

an essential oil that are used as a substitute for orange blossom; compounds in the leaves are used as a poison 

for snails; the seed contains a non-drying oil suitable for soap manufacture and lubrication (GRIN, FAO, 

AGROFORESTRY).
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7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, PLANTS DATABASE, 

AGROFORESTRY, FAO, WIKIPEDIA.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: XIMAM
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237

1. Feijoa [(Pineapple-guava, goiaba-do-campo, goiabeira-serrana, falso guayabo, guayaba brasilera, 

guayaba chilena (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret [(syn: Feijoa sellowiana (O. Berg) O. Berg, Orthostemon 

sellowianus O. Berg (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A small evergreen shrub or tree growing to 6 meters (20 feet). Native to southeastern Brazil and Uruguay. 

The young growth is whitish or rusty colored with unbranched and curled woolly hairs that are up to 0.1 

centimeter (0.04 inch) long. Young twigs are moderately to densely hairy and become hairless with age. 

Young bark is smooth, light reddish brown and becomes grey to light brown and flaky with age. Leaves are 

oval, obovate or elliptic, 3 to 7 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) long, 1.5 to 4 centimeters (0.6 to 1.6 inches)

wide, densely hairy below and hairy to hairless, gray-green and glossy above. The single flowers have four 

to six cupped petals that are white on the outside and purplish red on the inside. Petals are suborbicular to 

elliptic and measure 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) long. Flowers contain clusters of long crimson stamens with 

yellow tips. The flower stalk is hairy, 0.5 to 3 centimeters (0.2 to 1.2 inches) long and 0.1 to 0.15 centimeters

(0.04 to 0.06 inch) wide. Male and female reproductive organs are located on the same flower. Pollinated by 

birds. The fruit is ellipsoid, oval, or pear-shaped, 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long and 2 to 4 

centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) in diameter. The skin is bright green, smooth and is covered in a waxy bloom. 

The flesh is whitish to honey-colored and the pulp is translucent and juicy; the flavor is sweet and often 

described as a cross between a pineapple and a strawberry. The aroma is spicy. Each fruit contains several 

small seeds. Feijoas ripen from the inside out; consumed when slightly soft. An over-ripe feijoa develops a 

brown seed pulp and loses flavor with time. There are two populations of feijoa in South America. One is 

found in high altitudes on the basalt plateau in southeastern Brazil. Feijoas here contain large seeds. The 

other population is located in the crystalline soils of Uruguay and the south of Rio Grande do Sul State in 

Brazil. These feijoas contain small seeds (PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to May. Fruit ripens from late summer throughout autumn

(March to June) and falls when it is mature. Fruit matures in 150 to 180 days. The total sugar level 

remains low until 90 to 100 days after flowering but then increases rapidly during the last 30 days of 

fruit development. The New Zealand crop is available from spring to early summer. Californian 

feijoas are available in the autumn months. In humid, high altitude regions above 1,600 meters

(5,249 feet) near the equator such as Colombia, feijoas flower and fruit twice in one year. Fruit 

production occurs in 3 to 5 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from vegetative propagation

(PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grown in the cool subtropic, warm temperate and cool highland tropical climates. 

Found growing in the subtropical forests with large timber tree species at altitudes of 400 to 800 

meters (1,312 to 2,625 feet), temperate forests at 900 meters (2,953 feet), and high altitude 

grasslands and low canopy forests at about 900 meters (2,953 feet) in South America. Thrives on 

the forest margin or as an understory tree. Tolerant of a considerable range in rainfall and a variety 

of soil conditions including nutrient poor and acidic soils. Fruiting is poor in hot tropical lowlands. 

For optimal fruit production, plants are planted in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny location. Does 

not tolerate cold winters. Cold temperature damage occurs below -3 °C (27 °F) in summer and -8 °C

(18 °F) in winter. Frosts damage the fruit. Hot and dry conditions in spring during flowering and 

fruit set may interfere with pollination and lead to low yields. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, 

layering, and grafting. Cuttings are taken during the late summer. Rooting takes 8 to 10 weeks. 

Trees in orchards are planted 3 to 3.5 meters (10 to 11 feet) apart in the row with rows 4.5 to 5 meters

(15 to 16 feet) apart. Requires a slow release fertilizer. Plants are often self-sterile. Fruiting is 

improved by cross-pollination. To ensure proper fruiting, two trees of different cultivars must be 

planted fairly close together. New Zealand is the world’s large producer of this fruit; generally, fruit 

are not produced on a commercial scale (PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).
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c. Availablity in the marketplace: High quality processed feijoa products including frozen desserts 

and drinks including feijoa wine or juice products have been developed for several markets. Feijoa 

wine has been sold in small quantities to Asian markets and feijoa juice is used in a range of 

successful commercial blends in New Zealand. Freeze-dried feijoa chips are used in breakfast and 

cereal mixes. Homeopathic pharmacies sell “feijoa tea.” Fruit can be stored commercially at 4 °C

(39 °F) for 4 weeks (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp is consumed fresh by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out 

the pulp with a spoon. Fruit is processed into jellies, jams, sauces, juices, wine and preserves. The 

flavor is stable durig processing. Fruits are used in cakes or muffins as a substitute for bananas; 

added as a flavoring for ice cream, yogurt, sorbets, or smoothies. Feijoas pair well with ginger; 

fruits freeze well. The skin is edible but is resinous. Recipes for chutney usually include the peel. 

Feijoas are substituted in all dishes that use apples (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. The main 

sugars present in feijoa fruit are sucrose, fructose and glucose and increase as the fruit ripens. 

Contents of calcium, magnesium, and potassium per fruit all increase as the fruit grows (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Used more for medicinal purposes, rather than as a food in South America. An 

infusion from the leaves is prepared into a drink to cure dysentery and cholera in children. The dried 

skins of feijoa fruit are also used for this purpose (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: There is commercial production in California. Scattered trees have been planted in 

Florida and Hawaii; no yield data is available (MARKLE). 

5. Other commercial production regions: New Zealand, Australia, South America; widely cultivated in the 

subtropics; In Brazil and Uruguay, the fruit are not cultivated on a commercial scale but fruit are collected 

from the wild or home gardens. Currently, New Zealand contains approximately 200 hectares (494 acres) of 

commercial orchards that produce 950 tonnes (1,047 tons) of fruit for fresh consumption and 200 tonnes

(220 tons) for processing. In Colombia, 165 hectares (408 acres) are grown and 1,200 tonnes (1,323 tons) of 

fruit are produced. An orchard of mature feijoa trees yields approximately 22 tonnes (24 tons) of fruit per 

hectare or 30 to 40 kg (66 to 88 pounds) of fruit per tree (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK).

6. Use: Fresh eating, used in salads or processed in jelly, marmalade and other preserves; used in desserts 

and drinks; home garden fruit; ornamental; the tree is pruned to form a hedge; medicinal purposes (GRIN, 

MARKLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0335 and FI 4143) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = feijoa

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

JANICK.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: FEJSE
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243

1. Fig [(Common fig, higo, wu hua guo, figuier commun, echte Feige, Feigenbaum, fico, figueira, figo,

figueira-comum, figueira-da-europa, figueira-do-reino, higuera común (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Moraceae

Ficus carica L. [(syn: Ficus caprificus Risso, Ficus carica var. caprificus (Risso) Tschirch & 

Ravasini, Ficus carica var. rupestris Hausskn. ex Boiss. (GRIN))]

2. A small tree growing 12 meters (39 feet) or more in height and 10 meters (33 feet) in width. Figs 

originated in southern Arabia and spread to Western Asia and the Mediterranean. One of the most 

universally enjoyed fruits. Figs have been cultivated from the earliest days of recorded history. Currently, 

there are 1,000 cultivars of fig. The tree contains a large canopy with many spreading branches. Depending 

on the cultivar, trees may be round-topped and dense with many twiggy lateral spurs or contain apically 

dominant branches with fewer spurs, producing an open appearance. The growth habit of the trees ranges 

from open to compact and penduluous to upright to spreading, depending on the cultivar. Size and density 

are also variable. The bark is smooth with few fissures. Protruding spherical bark tubers ranging in size 

from 0.2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.08 to 1 inch), occur on mature trees near the nodal swellings. The root system

is extensive. For this reason, trees should not be planted near buildings. The plant produes latex. Contact 

with the latex may cause skin rashes. The stiff, dark green leaves are large, thick, hariy and heart-shaped. 

Leaves can possess three to seven lobes. The tree is deciduous in cool areas and nearly evergreen in tropical 

regions. The inflorescences are produced within a fleshy, hollow receptacle called the syconium. The floral 

parts line the wall of the syconium and produce a multiple fruit. The small individual flowers are borne on 

flower stalks and are unisexual. Three types of flowers occur within the syconium and include long-styled 

pistillate, short-styled pistillate, and staminate. The staminate flowers are found around the apical end of the 

fig and the pistillate flowers are found in the interior walls of the syconium. Access to the flowers within the 

syconium is through the ostiole. Pollination by the small fig wasp is required for the Smyrna type fig. Other 

figs produce fruit without fertilization. There are two botanically different types of Ficus carica trees. 

Pistillate or “female” fig trees produce syconia (figs) containing only long-styled pistillate flowers. These 

are commercial figs. Caprifigs are “male” trees. These produce syconia containing both short-styled 

pistillate flowers and staminate male flowers. The so-called “fruit” or fig is actually the vase-shaped outer 

flesh called a syconium. The fig is shaped like a pear, ranges in color from green, brown, yellow, red, purple, 

or purplish-black, and ranges in size from 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.4 inches) in diameter and 10 

centimeters (4 inches) long. The skin is smooth. Pulp is whitish, yellowish, red or pink. The flavor is sweet. 

The thousands of tiny “seeds” are actually tiny fruits encapsulated in the syconium. These embryos develop 

into viable seeds when fertilized (PERENNIAL, LOVE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK, 

MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit production occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed and 1 to 2 years from vegetative 

propagation. Most trees produce 2 to 3 crops of fruit per year. The first crop matures in early 

summer. The second or main crop begins to mature in mid to late summer. In Hawaii, with proper 

irrigation and elevations lower than 600 feet (183 meters), fruit forms continuously throughout the 

year. At elevations above 900 feet (274 meters), the tree produces one or two crops per year. At 

mid-elevations of 600 to 900 feet (183 to 274 meters), the tree will produce two or more crops per 

year (PERENNIAL, LOVE). 

b. Cultivation: Trees are located in the subtropical, cool tropical, and temperate zones with 

moderate winters. Grows best in dry climates where the cool season alternates with the hot season. 

Prefers hot, dry, summers with low humidity, no autumn rains and low to medium fertile soil. 

Summer temperatures of 32 to 37 °C (90 to 99 °F) or higher are optimal. Mature trees can tolerate 

winter low temperatures of -10 °C (14 °F), while young trees cannot tolerate temperatures between

-8 to -6 °C (18 to 21 °F). Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions from sand to clay, with good 

drainage and low acidity, a pH range of 6 to 7.8, temperatures below freezing when plants are 

dormant, drought, and some soil salinity. High rainfall causes trees to produce poorly. Fig orchards 

growing in the hot dry climates require about 76 centimeters (30 inches) of water annually. 
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Cultivated from sea level to over 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). Propagation is by seed, cuttings, and 

grafting. Cuttings are taken during the dormant season. Tree spacing is variable depeding on 

whether figs will be dried or produced for the fresh market. Plants for drying are planted on a square 

or offset pattern with 6 meters (20 feet) between the rows to allow space for drying and machine 

harvest and from 4.2 to 5.4 meters (14 to 18 feet) between trees. Orchards for fresh fruit production 

are set closer in square or offset plantings with from 4.2 to 4.8 meters (14 to 16 feet) between rows 

and from 3.6 to 4.8 meters (12 to 16 feet) between trees. In many commercial production regions, 

trees are pruned severely after each harvest because fruit is mainly produced on new growth. 

Commercially-grown trees average from 5 to 8 meters (16 to 26 feet) in height and 6 to 7 meters (20 

to 23 feet) in width. Pruning also enables the fruit to be harvested more easily. Irrigation at lower 

elevations will increase production. Fruit for the fresh market is hand picked at a stage of maturity 

where the fruit has maximum exterior color but still retains firmness. Figs grown for drying are 

allowed to fully mature and partially dehydrate on the tree, eventually dropping to the ground. 

When using a mechanical harvester, the fruit is left under the tree to dry further and mechanically 

swept into windrows where drying continues. The windrows are picked up by the harvester. Wild 

trees may live for 100 years, while orchard trees decline by age 50 to 60 years (PERENNIAL, 

LOVE, JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Many value-added products from countries such as Portugal, 

Turkey, Greece, Japan, Iran and Iraq are created from figs. Sold in local farmers’ markets. Sold to 

restaurants. Fresh figs are highly perishable and sell for high prices. In many countries, much of the 

production is consumed domestically as fresh fruit. Fig Newton cookies have been manufactured in 

the United States since 1891. It is one of the most popular cookies made and sold in the United 

States. Fresh figs can be stored for up to 5 days (LOVE, JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The fruit (syconium) is eaten fresh, dried, baked, broiled, preserved or 

stewed. Baked into breads and other confections in Japan. Fruit is made into a dried fruit paste or 

jam; may be canned. Fresh and dried fig bits are added to spreads, honey, cakes, puddings, cookies,

tarts, health bars and breakfast cereals. Fruits are often consumed with prosciutto or cheese; made 

into savory compotes to go with duck or salmon (PERENNIAL, LOVE, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Figs are high in fiber and are a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. 

Dried fruit contain more calcium per gram than milk. The dried fruit is nutrient dense. Fruit

contains no cholesterol and almost no fat (LOVE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

f. Medicinal aspects: Consumption of figs aids in lowering blood pressure, controlling the appetite 

and managing cholesterol (JANICK). 

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Almost all of the commercial production is in California. Figs are also grown in home 

gardens throughout the southern states; naturalized in the United States; Hawaii. According to USDA, in 

2009, 36,242tonnes (39,950 tons) were produced in California. According to FAOSTAT, in 2008, 36,287

tonnes (40,000 tons) of fruit were produced in the U.S. (GRIN, MARKLE, LOVE, FAOSTAT, USDA).

5. Other commercial production regions: Turkey, Greece, Italy, Algeria, Morocco; northern Africa, 

western/middle Asia, southeastern/southwestern Europe; widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics;

naturalized in Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Macaronesia, and Galapagos. In 2007, the 

leading world producer of figs was Turkey (210,152 tonnes (231,652 tons)), followed by Egypt (170,000 

tonnes (187,392 tons)), Iran (88,000 tonnes (97,003 tons)), Algeria (63,883 tonnes (70,418 tons)) and 

Morocco (61,606 tonnes (67,908 tons)). Spain, the United States, Algeria, and Syria are also large producers 

of figs. About 40 percent of the world crop is dried. Turkey is the leading exporter of dried figs. Other 

leading producers of dried figs are Greece, the United States of America, Spain, Italy and Portugal. In 2008, 

total world production was 1,108,398 tonnes (1,221,799 tons) (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, FAOSTAT).

6. Use: Mostly dried, some canned and preserves. Some fruit eaten fresh (in recent years less than 5%). 

Fruits and leaves have potential for medical use; ornamental, beverage base, vertebrate poison (mammals), 

potential seed contaminant; oil from dried seed is used for liqueurs; syrup is use for tobacco flavoring. Ficin, 
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an enzyme found in the leaves and fruit is used to tenderize meat. In India, fig leaves are collected after fruit 

harvest and used for animal feed (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit, fresh and dried.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0297) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel 

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MORTON, PERENNIAL, LOVE, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, JANICK, FAOSTAT, USDA.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: FIUCA
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1. Fragrant Manjack [(clammy-cherry, Indian-cherry, sebesten (GRIN))]

Boraginaceae. Also placed in: Cordiaceae; Ehretiaceae

Cordia dichotoma G. Forst.

2. A small to medium tropical/subtropical deciduous tree that grows 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet). Grows 

from India through southern China and Taiwan to Fiji via Malaysia, Indonesia, and notrthern Australia. The 

tree contains a spreading crown and short trunk. The bark is smooth and grayish brown. Leaves are large, 

ovate or elliptic, alternate and 6 to 13 centimeters (2.4 to 5 inches) long by 4 to 9 centimeters (1.6 to 3.5 

inches) across. White flowers are short-stalked, bisexual, sessile, and 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inches) in 

diameter. Flowers occur in terminal loose cymes. Fruit are yellow to pinkish-yellow, round or ovoid drupes 

that contain a persistent saucer-shaped calyx. Fruit size ranges from 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches)

in diameter. Fruit turn black upon ripening and the skin is smooth and shiny. The pulp is translucent, sticky

and gelatinous. Each fruit contains a stone with one to four seeds (JANICK, EFLORAS, 

AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from February to May. Fruit ripen from June to August in north India 

and before May in southern India (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grows in tropical and subtropical areas in open woods on slopes and beside 

mountain streams; also grows singly in the sub-Himalayan region up to about 1,500 meters (4,921 

feet) and in dry deciduous, moist deciduous, monsoon forests and tidal forests. Cultivated in its 

natural range for fruit in borders and along roadsides. Prefers an annual mean rainfall of 25 to 300 

centimeters (10 to 118 inches), a deep, moist, sandy loam soil, and full sun to part shade in moist 

ravines and valleys. Tolerates a range of soils. In areas where the rainfall is less than 50 centimeters

(20 inches), plants are found growing along streams or depressions. Propagation is by seed, grafting, 

coppicing, and cuttings. Seed is sown direct into containers, beds, or trays. Seed germinates in 3 to 

6 weeks. Seedlings are planted in the field in 3 to 4 months at lower elevations and after a year at 

higher elevation or just before a monsoon. Sowing is done in June to July at a depth of 2 centimeters 

(0.8 inch) in lines spaced 20 centimeters (8 inches) apart. Seedlings must be protected from frost 

and require full sun. Grafted trees flower in the fourth year (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: The pulp from mature fruit is consumed; immature fruit are pickled and 

used as a vegetable fodder; leaves are used as a vegetable (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: The seed contains 46% fat and 31% protein (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The tree contains numerous medicinal uses. Seeds are used as an 

anti-inflammatory; the bark is medicinal (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: China, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, Kashmir, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, 

Vietnam, Pacific Islands, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, 

Australia, New Caledonia (southwestern Pacific); mature trees can produce yields of 125 kilograms (276 

pounds) per year (GRIN, JANICK, EFLORAS).

6. Use: Fruit, wood for fuel and construction; leaves used as a vegetable and fodder; seed has potential for 

cattle feed; half-ripe fruit pulp used as a paper glue; fruit extract is used as a poison on nematodes; the tree is 

used for a boundary, a barrier or a support (GRIN, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None
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10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, EFLORAS, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Gooseberry, Abyssinian [(koshum (GRIN))]

Salicaceae. Also placed in: Flacourtiaceae

Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb. [(syn: Rumea abyssinica A. Rich. (basionym) (GRIN)]

2. An evergreen bushy shrub or tree growing 10 meters (33 feet) tall. Native to Ethiopia and Kenya. Thrives 

in the forests of East Africa. The spiny shrub or tree contains a rounded crown. The grayish-brown bark 

may contain spines that are up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. The trunk grows up to 20 centimeters (8 

inches) across. Bark and branchlets contain many raised brown lenticels. Leaves are alternate, 

ovate-lanceolate to oblong, hairless to slightly hairy, shiny, light to dark green, 2.5 to 9 centimeters (1 to 3.5 

inches) long and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) wide. The petiole is 0.2 to 0.5 centimeters (0.08 to 0.2 

inches) long. The slender twigs may contain straight slender spines at the leaf axils. Flowers are small, 

greenish-white, inconspicuous and borne in the leaf axils. Male and female flowers are produced on separate 

plants. Male flowers are borne in clusters of 1 to 3, flower stalks are 0.5 to 1.3 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) 

long, and calyx-lobes are 0.5 to 0.6 centimeters (0.2 to 0.24 inches) long by 0.2 to 0.3 centimeters (0.08 to 

0.1 inch) broad. Female flowers are solitary, pedicels are 0.6 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long and 

calyx-lobes are slightly larger than those in the male flowers. Light orange fruit is oblate globose to ovoid 

and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter. Skin of immature fruit is hairy and skin of the mature fruit is 

smooth, thin and tender. The juicy pulp is orange-yellow; the flavor is sour to subacid. The taste and aroma 

of the fruit is similar to that of a fresh apricot. A few small flattened seeds are contained within the fruit

(PERENNIAL, FLORIDA, FAMINE, MORTON, ALUKA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The main flowering season is September to January; scattered blooming takes place from 

April to June (FLORIDA).

b. Cultivation: The plant grows in hot, dry tropical climates. In Ethiopia, the plant grows along river 

courses in humid lower highland forests of moist and wet Mimusops forest in moist and wet midland 

at elevations of 1,600 to 2,200 meters (5,249 to 7,218 feet). Tolerant of higher rainfall. Only minor 

injury is encountered at temperatures below freezing. Propagation is by seed and cuttings

(PERENNIAL).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are collected and consumed fresh, mostly by children. During 

food shortage periods, all humans consume the fruit. Fruit may be stewed or preserved. Excellent 

for making jam or souring porridge (PERENNIAL, FAMINE).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northeast tropical Africa, east tropical Africa, south tropical 

Africa; no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit is consumed by humans, baboons and monkeys; the plant is used for fencing and as fodder 

for goats and sheep (GRIN, FAMINE). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit. 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellanceous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, FLORIDA, FAMINE, MORTON, ALUKA.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOVAB
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1. Gooseberry, Ceylon [(ketembilla, kitambilla, quetembila (GRIN))]

Salicaceae. Also placed in: Flacourtiaceae

Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb. [(syn: Aberia gardneri Clos, Rumea hebecarpa Gardner 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

2. An evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 4 to 7 meters (13 to 23 feet). Native to Sri Lanka. 

Bark is gray and slightly scaly. The trunk and lower branches contain 4 centimeter (1.6 inch) long sharp 

spines. Branches are long, slender, arching, widespreading, greenish-gray and up to 9 meters (30 feet) long. 

Shiny gray-green leaves are alternate, acute, entire or subserrate, elliptical, lanceolate or ovate in shape, 

long-pointed, and 7 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inch) long; margins are wavy-toothed. Underneath, leaves are 

yellow-green and contain soft hairs. Petioles are pinkish and woolly. Yellowish to greenish-yellow flowers 

are petalless, 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide, and occur in clusters in the leaf axils. Male, female and 

hermaphrodite flowers occur on different plants. Honeybees are pollinators. Small, purple, black, or 

orange-red fruit is ovoid to round, solitary, 1.25 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) wide and 2 to 2.5 

centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) in diameter. The skin is thin, bitter, and coated with short, grayish-green to brown 

velvety hairs that are unpleasant in the mouth. A persistent style is located at the apex. The pulp is juicy and 

purple-red in color. The flavor is extremely acidic, sour, or sweet. The taste is similar to gooseberries. Each 

fruit contains 9 to 12 hairy seeds that are 0.6 centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Immature fruit is orange in color. 

Trees can produce large yields of fruit. Relatives include the kei-apple and governor’s plum (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON, POPENOE, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, BARWICK, VAN WYK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit matures in May to June and October to November in Florida and from winter to 

spring in Israel. Multiple crops of fruit may be produced per year. Fruit is produced in 3 to 4 years 

from seed (PERENNIAL, MORTON, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid, sunny, tropical lowlands. Grows vigorously on sand or 

limestone and in woodland thickets. Rich, moist, well-drained soil and an abundance of water are 

best for fruit production. In the Philippines, fruit grows from sea-level to 792 meters (2,600 feet) 

and in Malaya, fruit grows from sea-level to 1,219 meters (4,000 feet). Tolerant of dry to moist 

climates, a variety of soils and light frost. Not tolerant of drought and extreme cold. Propagated by 

seed, shield-budding, grafting and cuttings. An aggressive growing plant. Occasionally cultivated 

for juice making. Trees should be fertilized annually. Grown in zones 9 to 10 (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON, POPENOE, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, BARWICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: In Israel, fruit is produced into jelly and is exported (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit may be consumed fresh with sugar, cooked, juiced, or preserved; 

used as a flavoring for beverages; made into pickles. Since the fruit is sour, it is mostly prepared into 

jelly and preserves. In Hawaii, fruit is produced into juice, spiced jelly, ketembilla-papaya jam, 

ketembilla-guava jelly, and ketembilla-apple butter; made into jelly in Israel (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of vitamin C. (PERENNIAL).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (PERENNIAL,

MORTON, POPENOE).

5. Other commercial production regions: Sri Lanka, India, tropical Asia, the Philippines, Cuba, Honduras, 

Malaya, Israel, West Indies; widely introduced into the tropics; no yield data is available (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON, ECOCROP, GRIN, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

6. Use: Fruit; garden plant (GRIN, BARWICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit. 
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9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, POPENOE, 

ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOVHE
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1. Gooseberry, Indian [(emblic, emblic myrobalan, groseillier de Ceylan, myrobalan emblic, Amblabaum, 

amla, aonla, mirobalano, nelí (GRIN))]

Phyllanthaceae. Also placed in Euphorbiaceae

Phyllanthus emblica L. [(syn: Emblica officinalis Gaertn., Mirobalanus embilica Burm. (GRIN))]

2. A graceful tree growing 18 to 30 meters (59 to 98 feet) high. Native to tropical southeast Asia. Grows in 

dry deciduous subtropical forests. Regarded as a sacred fruit by many Hindus. The bark is fairly smooth, 

pale grayish-brown, and peels off in thin flakes. The tree sheds both its long slender branchlets and small 

leaves. Leaves are small, oblong, and 0.3 centimeters (0.125 inch) wide by 1.25 to 2 centimeters 

(0.5 to 0.75 inch) long. Greenish-yellow flowers are small, inconspicuous and occur in compact clusters in 

the axils of lower leaves. Male flowers are creamy white and occur in clusters at the lower end of a growing 

branchlet. Female flowers occur on the upper end of a few clusters. Male and female reproductive organs 

may or may not be contained on the same plant. Pollination occurs by wind, bees and gravity. Fruit are

spherical to oblate, 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.4 inches) in diameter, and solitary. Fruit are nearly stemless, 

contain a thin, hard translucent smooth skin, and are indented at the base. Fruit also contain 6 to 8 pale lines 

that are sometimes faintly ridged and extend from the base to the apex, giving the appearance of segments or 

lobes. Mature fruit range in color from a dull greenish yellow, whitish, or brick red. Immature fruit are light 

green. The crisp juicy pulp is yellowish. The flavor is very sour to bitter. Fruit contain a hexagonal-shaped 

stone with six small seeds (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In northern India, flowering takes place from March to May. In Madras, the tree blooms 

in June to July and again in February and March. Fruit matures in 120 days. In some areas, fruit 

maturation occurs from November to January. In Florida, the main crop matures during the winter 

and early spring. Some fruit develop from late summer blooms that mature in the following summer 

and autumn. In southern India, fruit are produced throughout the year (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Grown in hot tropical lowlands to dry deciduous subtropical forests. The plant is 

more subtropical than tropical and survies cold winters. The tree is found in locations from sea level 

up to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet). However, fruit is only cultivated in locations up to 1,500 meters 

(4,921 feet). In India, mature trees tolerate temperatures up to 46 °C (115 °F). Tolerant of both dry 

and humid conditions. Young plants must be shaded. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, layering, 

budding and grafting. The seed germinates and produces a seedling with a 0.8 centimeter (0.3 inch) 

stem diameter in 4 months. Buddding and grafting takes place from June to September and 

February to March in India. Trees are spaced 9 to 12 meters (30 to 39 feet) apart. Transplanted trees 

should be irrigated or planted at the start of the rainy season. Trees begin to bear when 5 to 6 years 

old and can bear for 50 years. Fruit is both collected from the wild and cultivated. Fruit are 

harvested at full maturity and allowed to ripen. At cool temperatures, fruit can be stored for several 

weeks (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: In Southern Thailland and India, fruit are collected from the wild 

and taken to market. Hair products produced from the oil of the fruit are sold in health food stores 

and natural product outlets (MORTON). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; fruit may be stewed with sugar and saffron or 

preserved. Preserving whole fruits are accomplished by brining, washing, pricking, blanching the 

fruit in an alum solution, layering the fruit with sugar until a syrup is formed, boiling the fruit and 

packing the fruit in cans or crystallizing the fruit as a confection. To remove the bitterness, the fruit 

are soaked in a salt solution or by adding citrus fruit, unripe mango or tamarind. Fruit is added to 

other foods as seasoning. Juice is used to flavor vinegar. Ripe and half-ripe fruit are candied whole 

or made into jam and other preserves, sweetmeats, pickles, relishes and chutney. Fruit may be baked 

in tarts. In Indonesia, fruit are used as a substitute for tamarinds. Some people eat the fruit to avoid 

thirst. In India, a sauce is made from the dried chipped flesh. The chips are cooked in water, mashed 

with caraway seeds, and seasoned with salt and yogurt (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is rich in vitamin C (PERENNIAL, MORTON).
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f. Medicinal aspects: All parts of the tree are widely used in Asiatic medicine. Used in the 

treatement of diverse ailments including digestive disorders, scurvy, fever, chronic gastrointestinal 

problems, and coughs. For this use, fruit juice is prepared into sherbet or fermented. Fruit is also 

consumed medicinally by mixing dried chips of flesh with grape juice and honey. The fruit is used as 

a diuretic and laxative.’Triphala’ is produced by combining Indian gooseberry with Terminalia 

chebula and Terminalia bellerica. This medicine is used to treat chronic gastrointestinal problems, 

haemorrhoids, enlarged liver and other disorders. A powder created from dried fruit is used as an 

expectorant. Fruit juice, dried fruit mixed with water, or an infusion of the seeds is used as an 

eyewash. Seeds can also be used in treating asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, and fevers. Liquor made 

from the fruit is used to treat a number of problems from indigestion to heart problems. Roots 

contain norsesquiterpenoid glycosides that inhibit human cell growth. Many Hindus believe that 

consuming ripe fruits for 40 days after a fast aids in restoring health and vitality. Leaves are also 

used for problems such as indigestion. The sap is applied to wounds and bites. Flowers are used as 

a laxative and fever reducer. Bark is used for gastrointestinal purposes (JANICK, MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico (PLANTS DATABASE).

5. Other production regions: China, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaya, 

Singapore, Mascarene Islands, the Himalayas, Malacca, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaysia; cultivated 

elsewhere in tropics; an important crop in India. Yield varies greatly. Fruit yield is 19.6 to 20.2 kilograms 

(43 to 45 pounds) per tree for fruit harvested from the wild in India. Trees can yield 187 to 299 kilograms 

(412 to 659 pounds) per year and 200 kilograms (441 pounds) from grafted trees (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, potential as fuelwood, lipids (material), medicinal purposes; ornamental; bark, fruit and leaves 

are tannin rich and used in tanning and dyeing. Dried fruit yields ink, light-brown or yellow-brown hair dye 

and dye for dying of silk and wood. Iron sulfate turns this dye black. Fixed oil from the fruit is used as a hair 

restorer and shampoo in India and is the main ingredient in conditioner sold through ‘natural’ product outlets. 

Simulated pottery jars are made from a paste of the boiled fruit. The leaves of the tree are used as fodder for 

cattle; branches are lopped for green manure. Wood is used for minor construction, furniture, implements, 

gunstocks, hookas, pipes, aqueducts, and water clarification (MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, JANICK, MORTON.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PYLEM
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431

1. Gooseberry, Otaheite [(gooseberry-tree, cerisier de Tahiti, surette, cerejeira-do-Taiti, grosellero, guinda 

(GRIN))]

Phyllanthaceae. Also placed in: Euphorbiaceae

Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels [(syn: Cicca disticha L., Cicca nodiflora Lam., Phyllanthus distichus

(L.) Müll. Arg. (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing large shrub or small tree that reaches 2 to 9 meters (7 to 30 feet) in height. Native to 

Madagascar. The plant is not related to the gooseberry, but was given the name Otaheite gooseberry due to 

the similar sour flavor of the fruit. The tree contains a dense, spreading, bushy crown. The end of each thick, 

rough branch contains clusters of deciduous, greenish or pinkish branchlets that are 15 to 30 centimeters (6 

to 12 inches) long. Green leaves are alternate, simple, thin, smooth-edged, ovate to ovate-lanceolate in 

shape, and 2 to 8 centimeters (0.8 to 3 inches) long. The upper surface of the leaves is smooth and the lower 

sides of the leaves are blue-green with a bloom. Each leaf is connected to a short petiole and at each leaf base, 

there are two small pointed stipules. Leaves occur at the ends of branches. Small, pinkish, 4-parted flowers 

are borne in small clusters on 5 to 12.5 centimeter (2 to 5 inch) long hanging panicles. Flowers occur on the 

main branches and upper trunk. Male flowers, female flowers, and bisexual flowers are located on the same 

plant. Pale yellow to whitish fruit occurs in large clusters, oblate in shape, and measure 1 to 2.5 centimeters 

(0.4 to 1 inch) in diameter. Each fruit is smooth, contains six to eight ribs, and is waxy. Pulp is crisp, juicy 

and very sour. Each fruit contains a hard, ribbed stone with 4 to 6 seeds. Fruit resembles a bilimbi 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs February to April in Florida. In Southern India, the first crop occurs 

April to May and the second crop occurs August to September. In other areas, the crop occurs in 

January. Scattered flowering and fruiting occurs during other times of the year. Fruit matures in 90 

to 100 days. Fruit is produced from seed in 4 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Grown in subtropical to tropical climates. The tree is grown in hot, humid tropical 

lowlands. Tolerant of a variety of soils, a seasonal dry period, light frost, and elevations of up to 914 

meters (3,000 feet). Propagation is by seed, budding, air layers, and cuttings. Trees are not 

commercially cultivated, but are widely grown in villages and farms (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN 

WYK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are consumed locally (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp must be sliced from the stone or fruits must be cooked and pressed 

through a sieve to separate the stone. Fruit is usually sliced, covered with sugar, and left in the 

refrigerator for one day. Sugar draws out the juice and modifies the acidity of the fruit. If left long 

enough, a clear, pale-yellow syrup is produced. In the Bahamas, underripe whole fruits are soaked 

in salty water overnight to reduce acidity. Then fruit are rinsed, boiled once or twice in water, and 

later boiled in a separate pot with equal amounts of sugar until thick. When the process is complete, 

fruit are placed in sterilized jars without removing seeds. Fruit is rarely consumed fresh, since it is 

so sour. Fruit is usually stewed, candied, made into sauce, pickled, or preserved. When cooked in 

sugar, the fruit turns ruby red in color. In Indonesia, pulp is added to many dishes as a flavoring. In 

the Philippines, juice is made into cold drinks or fruit is used to make vinegar. In Malaysia, ripe and 

unripe fruit is cooked and prepared into relish, thick syrup, or preserves. In Thailand, fruits are 

processed into wine. In many areas, the fruit is combined with other fruits to make chutney, jam and 

jelly. Young leaves are cooked as greens in India and Indonesia (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN 

WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contain moderate amounts of phosphorus, calcium, iron and vitamin C 

(VAN WYK).
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f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit are used as a liver tonic to enrich the blood in India. Syrup is used as a 

stomachic medicine; seeds are used as a laxative. Leaves mixed with pepper are applied to skin to 

relieve aches and pains. Although roots are toxic, vapors from boiled roots are inhaled to relieve 

coughs and headaches. An infusion of the roots is used to relieve asthma. The root is also externally 

used to treat psoriasis on feet (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Grown in Florida and Hawaii in home gardens; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: The Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southern Mexico, India, 

Madagascar, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Vietnam, Laos, Northern Malaysia, Guam, Pacific Islands; 

widely distributed throughout Asia; naturalized elsewhere; no yield data is available (GRIN, MARKLE, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit; juice is used in drinks; ornamental, vegetable, medicinal purposes; leaves are consumed as a 

vegetable; root bark is used in tanning in India (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MORTON, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, 

JANICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PYLAC
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262

1. Governor’s plum [(Ciruela de Madagascar, batoko-plum, Indian-plum, Madagascar-plum, marromse, 

prunier de Madagascar, Ramontchi, ameixa-de-Madagascar, ciruela gobernadora (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Salicaceae; also placed in: Flacourtiaceae

Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr. [(syn: Flacourtia ramontchi L’Hér., Flacourtia sepiaria Roxb., 

Gmelina indica Burm. f. (basionym) (GRIN))]

1. Plum-of-Martinique [(prunier de la Martinique, lovi-lovi, lobi-lobi, louvi malayo (GRIN))]

Flacourtia inermis Roxb. 

1. Rukam [(prunier café, prunier de Chine, prunier malgache, Madagaskarpflaume, ciruela de Madagascar 

(GRIN))]

Flacourtia rukam Zoll. & Moritzi [(Flacourtia euphlebia Merr. (GRIN))]

1. Indian plum [(runeala-plum, prunier d’Inde, Paniala, ameixa-da-Índia, ciruela forastera (GRIN))]

Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch. [(Flacourtia cataphracta Roxb. ex Willd., Stigmarota 

jangomas Lour. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. Flacourtia indica is a slow-growing shrub or tree growing 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) tall. May or may 

not be spiny. Native to tropical Asia and Madagascar. Found growing near homes and fields south of the 

Sahara. The bark is pale grey and powdery when young and becomes brown to dark grey and flaking when 

older. Vegetative areas may be hairless or densely hairy. Young leaves are red to pink and oval or round in 

shape with a toothed edge; can grow to 12 centimeters (5 inches). Mature leaves are bright green, 

long-tipped, obovate and leathery; leaves are attached to a 2 centimeter (0.8 inch) petiole. Male and female 

flowers are located on separate plants; flowers are small, greenish and do not contain petals. Occasionally, 

flowers may contain both male and female reproductive organs. Male flowers are 0.5 to 2 centimeters (0.2 to 

0.8 inch), contain 5 to 6 ovate hairy sepals that measure 0.15 to 0.25 centimeters (0.06 to 0.1 inch) and occur 

on axillary racemes on 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long slender flower stalks. Female flowers occur in short 

racemes or are solitary on short flower stalks that measure less than 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch). Purple, 

reddish or reddish-black fruit are round to ovoid berries that measure 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inch) in 

diameter. The fruit is tipped by 5 to 6 short radiating styles. The skin is smooth. The pulp is yellow in color 

and the flavor is sweet to sour. Each fruit contains 4 to 10 pale brown, wrinkled seeds measuring 0.5 by 0.9 

by 0.6 centimeters (0.2 by 0.4 by 0.2 inch).

Flacourtia inermis is a short-trunked, bushy shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 5 to 9 meters (16 to 

30 feet). Native to southeast Asia. Trees are mostly thornless. Bark is light brown and smooth. Leaves are 

evergreen, glossy, alternate, bright-red when young, ovate to elliptic in shape, pointed at the tip, 

short-pointed at the base, wavy-toothed, 5 to 25 centimeters (2 to 10 inches) long and 2.5 to 13 centimeters (1

to 5 inches) wide. Petioles are 0.6 to 1 centimeter (0.25 to 0.375 inch) long. Yellowish flowers are borne in 

small, short clusters measuring 2.5 to 3.8 centimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) long on the branches at leaf bases. 

Individual flowers are small, petalless, contain 4 to 5 green sepals, both male and female reproductive 

structures, and many yellow stamens. Bright red to red-purple fruit is spherical, flattened at the tip,

cherry-like, and up to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth and thin. Pulp is juicy, and

yellow or whitish with a pink tinge. The flavor is sour, astringent, acid or sweet. Each fruit contains 4 to 14 

seeds that are hard, sharp, irregular, and measure less than 0.6 centimeter (0.25 inch) wide. Can become 

invasive in tropical areas.

Flacourtia rukam is a small, many branched tree that grows to a height of 5 to 20 meters (16 to 66 feet). 

Native to the Philippines, India, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Oceania, and Malaya Archipelago. The bark is 

gray-brown and not flaky. The trunk is 40 centimeters (16 inches) in diameter. The trunk and older branches 

are crooked and furrowed near the base. Most branches are smooth, cylindrical and tapered at the ends. 

Young branches may be pubescent. The trunk, young branches and old branches contain many forked or 

simple, strong, woody spines that measure up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. Some clonally propagated 

trees lack spines. Dark green leaves are evergreen, spiraled, coarsely toothed on the margins, smooth to 

slightly hairy, shiny, elliptic-oblong, ovate-oblong, elliptic, or oblong-lanceolate in shape, and 6 to 16 

centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long by 4 to 7 cemtimeters (1.6 to 3 inches) wide. The base is rounded and the tip 
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is pointed. Young leaves are red to brownish-red and drooping. The petiole is 0.4 to 0.8 centimeters (0.16 to 

0.31 inch) long. Leaf size, shape and pubescence vary. Inflorescences are borne in small, few-flowered, 

short, finely pubescent racemes in the leaf axils and measure 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inch). Pedicels 

are 0.3 to 0.4 centimeter (0.1 to 0.15 inch) long. Male and female flowers are found on different trees. Both 

male and female flowers are greenish-yellow, lack petals and contain 4 hairy ovate sepals measuring 0.1 to 

0.15 centimeter (0.04 to 0.06 inch); male flowers contain many stamens and 8 orange or yellow-white fleshy

disk-lobes; female flowers contain 4 to 8 styles, an ovary, and bilobed stigmas. Purple to dark purple-red

fruit are borne on old branches and the trunk. Fruit are ovoid to nearly round in shape, slightly flattened at 

the tip, and 1.25 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth; the tip of the fruit contains 

4 to 6 small styles set in a circle. Pulp is yellow or whitish in color, juicy and fleshy. The flavor is sweet to 

acidic. Each fruit contains 4 to 7 flat seeds. Can be invasive in some areas.

Flacourtia jangomas is a small shrub or erect, low-branched tree that grows to a height of 5 to 12 meters (16 

to 39 feet). Native to Tropical Asia including North Bengal, East Bengal and Chittagong, India and Burma. 

Bark is flaking and light-brown, yellow-brown, copper red or pinkish-buff in color. The trunk and branches 

of young trees contain sharp, woody, simple or branched spines. Young branches contain lenticels which are 

white-dotted; branches can be smooth to hairy. Deciduous dark green leaves are alternate, spirally arranged, 

oval-lanceolate, ovate, ovate-elliptic, narrow-ovate or ovate-oblong in shape, pointed at the tip, rounded at 

the base, toothed, thin, smooth, glossy and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long by 1.3 to 5 centimeters

(0.5 to 2 inches) wide. Young leaves are pale pink. The leaf stalk is 0.4 to 0.8 centimeters (0.16 to 0.3 inch)

long. Fragrant greenish to yellowish-white flowers are borne in small clusters on new branches in leaf axils. 

Pedicels measure 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inch) long. Male and female flowers are found on different 

trees. Both flowers contain 4 to 5 ovate, obtuse, greenish, hairy, 0.2 centimeter (0.08 inch) long sepals and a 

white or yellow-orange disk. Male flowers measure 1.5 to 3 centimeters (0.6 to 1.2 inch) long; female 

flowers measure 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) long. Purple to dark-maroon fruit is ovoid to round in 

shape and 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) in diameter. Pulp is yellow, greenish, whitish, or amber in 

color and juicy. The flavor is sweet to acid. Each fruit contains 7 to 12 flat, hard, pale-yellow seeds. Fruit is 

better-liked compared to other species. Used for local food production (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

BARWICK, MORTON, KEULARTS, TRADE WINDS, AGROFORESTRY, PIER, EFLORAS, INDIA, 

PIER).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flacourtia indica is a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves just before flowering. 

Flowering occurs April to May in Florida. The fruit matures in 60 to 90 days. In India, flowers 

appear from December to April together with the new leaves. Fruit in India ripen from March to 

July, 5 to 8 months later. In Africa, fruit ripening occurs between December and July 

Flacourtia inermis flowering occurs from May to June in Florida. In other areas, flowering occurs 

several times per year. Fruit matures in 60 days.

Flacourtia rukam flowering occurs from May to June in Florida, April to May in China, and June to 

August in Java. Flowering can occur during other times of the year. Fruiting occurs June to October 

in China. Fruit matures in 60 to 90 days.

Flacourtia jangomas flowering occurs May to June in Florida and April to May in India and China. 

Fruiting occurs in May to October in China. Fruit matures in 60 to 90 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, EFLORAS, INDIA).

b. Cultivation: Flacourtia indica thrives near humid limestone coasts, hot, humid tropical lowland 

valleys, dry tropical deciduous forests, and high, dry savannahs and hillsides. Plants are also found 

in forests having dry seasons, woodlands, wooded grassland, bushland, and near watercourses. 

Grows well in areas with a high water table and full sun. Requires a minimum temperature of 4 ° C

(39 ° F) and a maximum temperature of about 45 ° C (113 ° F); requires a minimum annual rainfall 

of 50 centimeters (20 inches) and a maximum rainfall of 200 centimeters (79 inches). Tolerant of 

drought conditions and a variety of well-drained soils from sand to clay. Does not tolerate frost. 

Propagation is by seed, layering and grafting.

Flacourtia inermis requires hot, humid tropical lowlands. Does not tolerate frost. Propagation is by 
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seed, air-layering and budding. Trees live approximately 20 years. 

Flacourtia rukam requires hot, humid tropical lowlands and full sun to shade. Prefers elevations up 

to 2,100 meters (6,890 feet). Grows in primary or secondary forests and along rivers. Tolerates a 

range of temperatures, rainfall and soil conditions. Propagation is by seed, root suckers and grafting. 

Seed germinates quickly. Trees should be spaced 8 to 12 meters (26 to 39 feet) apart.

Flacourtia jangomas requires hot, humid tropical lowlands. Grows at elevations up to 800 meters

(2,625 feet) in mountain rain forests and evergreen broad-leaved forests. Propagation is by seed,

layering, inarching, budding and grafting. Seeds germinate slowly (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

BARWICK, AGROFORESTRY, PIER).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Flacourtia indica fruit is found in the local markets in Africa; 

Flacourtia rukam young shoots are marketed (JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Flacourtia indica fruit is consumed fresh. Fruit can be stewed, juiced, 

dried, or made into jellies, jams or pickles. Flacourtia inermis: Pulp can be consumed fresh but is 

mostly seeded and cooked with apples or made into pies, jellies, sirup, chutney, pickles and jams.

Flacourtia rukam pulp is consumed fresh after rolling the fruit between the palms and bruising the 

flesh to reduce astringency; served fresh in ‘rujack,’ a spicy fruit salad. Fruit can also be cooked, 

pickled, or prepared into jellies, preserves, condiments, pies, chutneys and jams. Consumed in times 

of shortage. Young shoots and leaves are eaten raw in Java. Flacourtia jangomas pulp is consumed 

fresh; fruit is rolled between the hands to reduce astringency; prepared into jellies, jams, juice, sirup, 

marmalade, pickles, and chutneys. Stewed as a dessert. Shoots are consumed in Indonesia 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: Flacourtia indica, Flacourtia inermis, Flacourtia rukam: No specific entry.

Flacourtia jangomas: Fruit is rich in pectin (MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: Flacourtia indica fruit are used to treat jaundice and enlarged spleens. A 

preparation of the leaves and wood are used against roundworms. Leaves and roots are taken for

parasitic diseases, malaria, and diarrhoea. Leaves are used as an antidote to snake bites. Roots are 

used to treat hoarseness, skin allergies, pneumonia and intestinal worms and are used as an 

astringent, diuretic and pain reliever. Bark is used to aid rheumatism, gout and skin disease

Flacourtia rukam immature fruit juice is used to stop diarrhea and dysentery. Leaf juice is used to 

cure inflamed eyelids. Dried crushed leaves are placed on wounds. A root decoction is given to 

women after childbirth. Inner bark is used to cure certain parasitic diseases.

Flacourtia jangomas fruits are consumed to relieve digestive problems, nausea and diarrhea. A leaf 

decoction is used to aid diarrhea. Dried leaves are used to relieve bronchitits and coughing. Leaves 

and bark are used to treat bleeding gums and sore teeth. A mixture of the bark is used to aid 

hoarseness. Roots are placed on sores and toothaches (JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Flacourtia indica: Home gardens, Florida; no yield data is available.

Flacourtia inermis: Florida; occasionally planted in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Flacourtia rukam: Florida; Flacourtia jangomas: Florida, Puerto Rico (MORTON, PERENNIAL, 

KEULARTS).

5. Other production regions: Flacourtia indica: West Indies; northeast, east, south Africa, Madagascar, 

China, tropical Asia; naturalized elsewhere including the Caribbean, Central America and India; no yield 

data is available; Flacourtia inermis: Southern Asia, tropical Africa, Pacific Islands, the Philippines,

Sumatra, New Britain, peninsular Malaysia; introduced elsewhere in the Tropics. Cultivated mostly in Sri 

Lanka, Malaya and Indonesia. Fruit yield is 37 to 261 kilograms (81 to 576 pounds) per year.

Flacourtia rukam: Southeast/Tropical Asia including China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia,

Oceania, Malaya Archipelago, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea; India; Belgium; 

elsewhere in the Tropics. Cultivated in southern Malaya and Indonesia; Flacourtia jangomas: Cultivated in 

the paleotropics and Southeast/Tropical Asia; Eastern Malaya, the Philippines, Surinam, Trinidad, Assam, 

Burma, North Bengal, East Bengal and Chittagong, India; East Afirca (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK, 

PERENNIAL, KEULARTS, EFLORAS).
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6. Use: Flacourtia indica: Jelly, jams and fresh fruit; young shoots are edible; medicinal purposes; wood 

used to make lumber and charcoal; ornamental; fresh foliage is used as fodder.

Flacourtia inermis: Fruit. Flacourtia rukam: Fruit; wood is made into rice pounders, pestles and clubs; 

medicinal purposes; garden plant. Flacourtia jangomas: Food; medicinal purposes; wood is used for 

agricultural implements (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON, PIER).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK,

KEULARTS, TRADE WINDS, PLANTS DATABASE, AGROFORESTRY, PIER, EFLORAS, INDIA.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: Flacourtia indica: FLCIN; Flacourtia inermis: FLCIE; Flacourtia rukam: 

FLCRU
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1. Grumichama [(Brazil-cherry, cerisier du Brésil, jambosier du Brésil, grumixama (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. [(syn: Eugenia dombeyi (Spreng.) Skeels, Myrtus dombeyi Spreng., 

Stenocalyx brasiliensis O. Berg (GRIN))]

2. A slender, erect shrub or tree growing 6 to 14 meters (20 to 46 feet) tall. The subtropical plant is a native 

to coastal southern Brazil. The tree is short-trunked and heavily foliaged. The deep green leaves are 

opposite, thick, leathery, waxy, pitted, oblong to oblong-oval and 9 to 16 centimeters (3.5 to 5 inches) long 

by 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) wide. Leaves remain on the tree for 2 years. New shoots are rosy in 

color. Mature trees resemble Japanese cherry trees. Flowers are borne singly in leaf axils, contain 4 green 

sepals, 4 white petals, 100 white stamens with pale-yellow anthers and are 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. 

Purple to black fruit are long-stemmed, oblate and bear persistent purple or red-tinted 1.25 centimeter (0.5

inch) long sepals. Fruit range in size from 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) in diameter and are solitary

on new growth. Immature fruit are green to red. One variety produces yellow fruit. The fruit skin is smooth,

dry, thin, firm and fragile like grape skin. The sweet, juicy pulp is white or red in color and the flavor is 

similar to a sweet, subacid cherry with a hint of jaboticaba and Concord grape. One to three small

hemispherical hard gray seeds 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide and half as thick are found inside the fruit

(PERENNIAL, LOVE, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs April to May in Florida. In Hawaii, the bloom to fruiting period lasts 

from July to December, with the main crop in the fall. Trees in Brazil vary considerably in 

flowering and fruiting times and the season extends from November to February. Fruit matures in 

30 to 40 days. The harvest season is short because fruits ripen over a 2-week period. The fruit is 

delicate, so fruit must be handled carefully (PERENNIAL, LOVE, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: A subtropical plant that grows in warm, wet tropical lowlands in deep, well-drained

medium-acid soil. Tolerates a wide range of soils including shallow, moist, sandy soils, deep fertile 

sandy loam, or rich clay. Grows best in partial shade, but tolerates full sun. Requires an annual 

rainfall that is above 178 centimeters (70 inches). Not very tolerant to frost; can survive 

temperatures of -3.33 °C (26 °F) in Brazil. Propagation is by seed, grafting and cuttings. Fruit 

production occurs the fourth year from 1.2 meter (4 foot) tall seedling trees. Produces fruit from 76

to 610 meter (300 to 2,000 foot) elevations. The most fruit is produced at elevations from 76 to 274 

meters (250 to 900 feet). Trees are pruned as a shrub and kept at 2 to 3 meter (6 to 10 foot) heights 

to facilitate harvesting. Commercial trees are planted at a 5 to 6 meter (15 to 20 foot) spacing or 

grown in hedgerows. Most commercial production occurs in Brazil. At harvestime, fruits are 

placed in containers in double layers and refrigerated within one hour (PERENNIAL, LOVE, 

MORTON).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruits are marketable for 10 to 12 days after harvest and are 

shipped to grocery stores, restaurants and hotels. Fruit availability is only 2 weeks out of the year, so 

many chefs process the fruit into frozen puree. Grumichama jelly and syrup can be found at some of 

Hawaii’s farmers’ markets (LOVE).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh. Fruits can be pureed and made into jam, jelly or 

sauces. Chefs use the fruit in buffet lines and as an edible decoration on plates. In the Caribbean, a 

reduction is made from the juice of the fruit and poured over fish; used as a base for hot sauces. 

Whole pitted fruits are used in pies, cakes and fruit salads (PERENNIAL).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: The bark and leaves contain 1.5% of essential oil. A leaf or bark infusion is 

used as an aromatic, astringent, diuretic and a treatment for rheumatism in Brazil (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii; no yield data is available (LOVE).

5. Other production regions: Brazil. Grown especially in the states of Parana and Santa Catarina. Cultivated 

in and around Rio de Janeiro and Paraguay; cultivated elsewhere including Tropical America. Mature 3 

meter (10 foot) tall trees can yield more than 23 kilograms (50 pounds) of useable fruit and mature trees kept 
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pruned at 2 meters (6 feet) yield about 14 kilograms (30 pounds) of fruit (GRIN, PERENNIAL, MORTON).

6. Use: ornamental, fruit; home garden fruit (GRIN, PERENNIAL).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, LOVE, MORTON.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: EUEDO
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1. Guabiroba 

Myrtaceae

Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg

2. A small to medium sized tree growing up to 12 meters (40 feet) tall. Native to Brazil, the tree contains a 

rounded crown and crooked trunk that is fluted at the base. The tree is semi-deciduous, 4-15 meters tall. 

Leaves are opposite, simple, oval oblong, and 3 to 4.5 centimeters (1.2 to 1.8 inches) long by 4 to 10 

centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) wide. The green-yellow fruit resembles a small guava and have a succulent, 

firm, sweet pulp with a smooth and shiny skin (BRAZILIAN, TRADE WINDS, WIKIPEDIA, CRFG).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The plant flowers from early summer to November, followed by a long fruiting season 

that lasts up to six months (TRADE WINDS).

b. Cultivation: Grown in hot, dry Southern and Western savannah regions of Brazil. Grows well in 

hot, dry climates and poor soils. Somewhat frost hardy and propagated is by seed. In Brazil, 

cultivated in domestic orchards, mainly in the south and southeast part of the country, propagated by 

seeds (BRAZILIAN, TRADE WINDS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruits are consumed only in their natural state and are greatly 

appreciated locally.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh or processed into juices, ices, liqueurs and 

sweets (TRADE WINDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit is high in vitamins (TRADE WINDS).

f. Medicinal aspects: The plant is used as an astringent, antidiarrhoeal; used to aid cystitis and 

urethritis. The shell, fruit and leaves are used for medicinal purposes (WIKIPEDIA).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay; no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit, dooryard tree; wood is used for tools, furniture, construction, and fuel (GRIN, TRADE 

WINDS, WIKIPEDIA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: BAYER, BRAZILIAN, CODEX, CRFG, GRIN, TRADE WINDS, WIKIPEDIA.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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273

1. Guava [(araçá-goiaba, araçá-guaçú, banjiro, goiaba, goiabeiro, goyavier, guaiaba, guaiava, Guave, 

Guavenbaum, guayaba, guayabo, Guayave, koejawel, lemon guava (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Myrtaceae

Psidium guajava L. [(syn: Psidium cujavillus Burm. f., Psidium pomiferum L., Psidium pumilum 

Vahl, Psidium pyriferum L. (GRIN))]

2. A large evergreen shrub or freely branching small rounded tree growing to a height of 3 to 10 meters (10 to 

33 feet). Under high moisture conditions, guava can reach 10 meters (33 feet) in height and spread with a 30 

centimeter (12 inch) diameter trunk. Native to tropical and Central America. The root system is shallow. 

The trunk is short, freely branching, bony and 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) in diameter. Suckering 

may occur at the base of the trunk. Pruning is required to produce a single-trunk tree. Bark is smooth, thin, 

peeling, pale, papery and greenish brown to coppery brown. Red to coppery-brown branches are pliable, 

hard, heavy, fine-grained, and round. The canopy is dome-shaped, symmetrical, broad and spreading. Light 

green leaves are opposite, arranged in pairs, entire, simple, aromatic, short petioled, smooth and leathery on 

the upper surface, pubescent underneath, prominently parallel veined, oblong, oblong-elliptic or oval in 

shape, and 7 to 18 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long by 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) wide. White, 

fragrant flowers are borne singly or in clusters of two to three at the leaf axils of current growth. Individual 

flowers measure 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) in diameter and contain both male and female 

reproductive organs, 4 to 5 petals, numerous stamens and one style. Flowers are self and cross pollinated; 

also pollinated by bees. Yellow fruit (sometimes blushed with pink) is a many-seeded berry that is solitary 

on new growth, spherical, ovoid, ellipsoid, or pyriform in shape, 2.5 to 12 centimeters (1 to 5 inches) in 

diameter and 100 to 450 grams (3.5 to 16 ounces) in weight. The flesh is pink, salmon, white or yellow in 

color, soft, juicy, acid, subacid or sweet in flavor, coarse, granular or fine, creamy in texture, and 0.3 to 1.25 

centimeters (0.1 to 0.5 inch) thick. The skin is smooth to rough, thin, and contains persistent sepals at the tip. 

Pulp is white, yellow or red in color. The flavor is sweet to sour. Aromatic, with a strong, sweet musky 

smell. Produces a large amount of small, angular, woody, yellowish-cream colored seeds that measure 0.3 to 

0.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) in size. Immature fruit is green, hard, gummy, and astringent. Fresh 

cultivars are sweet, large, and contain white flesh. Processing cultivars are more acid, have a hard rind, and 

contain red flesh. Fruit varies greatly from population to population and can be low-acid, musky and sweet, 

bland, low-sugar, low-acid, or high-acid (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON, YADAVA, CRFG, FLEPPC, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting vary with weather conditions and cultural practices. Flowering 

usually takes place on new growth stimulated by pruning or leaf loss. Flowering occurs from April 

to May and September to October in Florida. In India, flowering occurs 2 to 3 times per year. In 

tropical areas, fruit are produced throughout the year in varying amounts; in subtropical areas, fruit 

mature from mid-summer until mid-winter. A small amount of fruit is produced from April to May 

and a large amount is produced in September to November in Hawaii. Two crops per year are 

produced in Puerto Rico, one in the late summer and early fall and another in late winter to early 

spring. In Northern India, fruiting occurs mid-winter. Fruit mature in 90 to 150 days. Fruit 

production occurs in 4 to 5 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from vegetative propagation 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, MORTON, YADAVA). 

b. Cultivation: Grown in the tropics and warm subtropics in both dry and moist climates. Prefers 

areas with long dry periods, full sun, medium rainfall of 100 to 200 centimeters (39 to 79 inches) per 

year, elevations of 0 to over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), mean temperatures of 23 to 28 °C (73 to 

82 °F), high light, and soils with good drainage, high organic matter, and a pH of 5 to 7. Tolerances 

a wide range of rainfall, shade, drought, saline conditions, and very light frost. Can grow in 

low-lying seasonally flooded pastureland. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, layering, budding and 

grafting. Seeds are viable for a long period of time. Seeds should be planted in a well-drained media; 

germination occurs in 15 to 20 days. Seedlings should be transplanted when 5 to 76 centimeters (2 
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to 30 inches) high, and placed in the field when 1 to 2 years old. Seedlings can be budded or grafted 

when stems are 1.2 to 2.0 centimeters (0.5 to 0.8 inch). The side wedge method is used most in 

grafting. Cuttings 13 to 25 centimeters (5 to 10 inches) long should be taken from green wood with 

two true leaves. Cuttings should be placed under mist with 28 to 30 °C (82 to 86 °F) bottom heat. 

Rooted cuttings 6 to 8 months old should be transplanted to the field. Trees should be spaced 3 by 5 

or 5 by 6 meters (10 by 16 or 16 by 20 feet) apart. For commercial production, moisture (irrigation 

or rain) is required during vegetative growth, flowering and fruit development. Fertilization, 

defoliation and pruning after harvest aid production. Harvesting depends on skin color, the variety, 

and the stage at which the fruit is to be eaten. When eaten green, fruit is harvested at the mature firm 

stage without signs of ripening. If eaten when soft and ripe, fruit is harvested when showing signs of 

color change and softening. Dessert type fruit is harvested manually at the mature green (half-ripe 

stage), graded and packed. Processing type fruit is harvested using a machine at the firm yellow to 

mature green (half-ripe) stage. Fruit for the fresh fruit market is sometimes covered with plastic or 

paper. Hydrocooling is used to cool fruit to 10 ° C (50 °F). Mature green and partially ripe fruit can 

be held for 2 to 3 weeks at 8 to 10 °C (46 to 50 °F) and ripe fruit can be held for 1 week at 5 to 8 °C

(41 to 46 °F). Cultivated in every tropical and subtropical country around the world (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, CULL, MORTON, YADAVA, CRFG, FLEPPC).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is commercially grown around the world for the fresh 

market or processing (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: The whole fruit is edible. Pulp is consumed fresh or added to fruit salads. 

When consumed fresh, fruit is consumed at the mature green stage when firm and crisp like an apple; 

skin is also consumed; sugar and rum can be used to enhance the flavor. Fruit is also stewed, 

dehydrated, dried into fruit leather, preserved, poached, cooked and canned, frozen, powdered, 

processed into juice, wine, jellies, jams, marmalade, chutney, relish, syrup, nectar, paste (called 

guava butter or cheese), and puree. Puree is used for juice, puddings, sauces, ice cream, cakes, and 

preserves. Consumed in Asia underripe with a salty or spicy dip. Fruit is added to desserts, 

confectionary, breakfast foods and baby foods. Processing involves boiling sliced fruit and 

removing seeds from the pulp. Seed oil may be used as an edible oil. Leaves are used in cooking in 

Asian countries (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

CULL, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is rich in vitamin C, pectin, dietary fiber, protein, phosphorus, 

potassium, niacin, vitamin A and calcium. Fruit contains 2 to 5 times the vitamin C content of 

orange juice (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, YADAVA).

f. Medicinal aspects: Guava exhibits antibacterial action against intestinal pathogens; 

anti-inflammatory. Leaves are used to treat diarrhea, intestinal worms, coughs, throat and chest 

ailments, toothaches, skn diseases, fevors, neurological problems, inflammation of the kidneys, 

weight problems, epilepsy, wounds, arthritis and ulcers. Leaves, bark, roots, immature fruit, and 

bud extracts are used in folk medicine and the treatment of diabetes. Fruit can aid in reducing 

cholesterol (BARWICK, VAN WYK, MORTON, YADAVA, AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Guam (132 kilograms (292 lbs), 1992), Hawaii (304 hectares (750 acres), 

1995), California and Puerto Rico. Fresh production in Hawaii is 4,400 tonnes (4,850 tons) per year or 28.1 

tonnes (31 tons) per hectare. According to USDA 1,050 tons (952 tonnes) were produced in Hawaii in 2009

(GRIN, MARKLE, YADAVA).

5. Other commercial production regions: India, Pakistan, Egypt, South Africa, Europe including France; 

Asia including Thailand and Taiwan; Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Central America including Belize, 

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama; Northern/western/southern South 

America including Brazil; the Caribbean; the Philippines; the subtropics; widely cultivated and naturalized; 

exact native range obscure. India and Mexico are the world’s largest producers of guava. India produces 

dessert guavas that are consumed totally within the country. Mexico produces dessert and processing 

cultivars that are mostly consumed within the country. The U.S. imported over 8,000 tonnes (8,818 tons) of 
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processed guava in 2002. Leading exporters were Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Inida, Pakistan, 

Ecuador, Colombia, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Taiwan (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, 

VAN WYK, MORTON, YADAVA).

6. Use: Fruit, beverage base; wood for tools and fuel, medicinal purposes, weed, home garden fruit; 

commercial production, seed oil for edible uses and paints; leaves are used with other ingredients to make a 

black dye for silk; bark is used to tan hides (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, 

MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: While fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0336) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel 

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = Guava, feijoa, jaboticaba, wax jambu, starfruit, passionfruit, 

acerola

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, YADAVA, CRFG, FLEPPC, 

AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PSIGU (P. guajava)
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1. Guava berry 

Myrtaceae

Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg [(syn: Eugenia floribunda H. West ex Willd. 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing shrub or tree growing 10 to 15 meters (33 to 50 feet) in height. Native to Mexico, the 

West Indies, and South America. The tree contains a dense, rounded canopy with reddish-brown branchlets 

that are hairy when young. The trunk becomes flared into small buttresses at the base when old. Pale tan to 

grey bark flakes into circular discs, exposing the golden brown flesh underneath. Deep green evergreen 

leaves are simple, opposite, elliptic, ovate, lanceolate, or oblong-lanceolate, glossy, leathery, pointed at the 

apex, 2.5 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3.2 inches) long and 0.8 to 3 centimeters (0.3 to 1.2 inches) wide. The leaf 

surface is covered with gland dots which secrete aromatic oil. Showy white silky-hairy flowers are star-like 

in shape, almost stalkless, contain 4 fringed petals and pompoms of golden stamens. Flowers are borne in 

small axillary or lateral clusters and emerge from the base of the leaves. Fruit is a spherical, ovoid or oblate 

berry that ranges in size from 0.8 to 1.6 centimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inches) in diameter and is solitary on new 

growth. The fruit is stemless and is attached to the leaf nodes. The skin of the berry contains rough, 

glandular spots and changes in color from green to dark red or golden yellow. Pulp is yellow-orange and 

fragrant. The flavor is sweet to bittersweet. Up to 4 seeds are contained within each berry (PERENNIAL, 

BARWICK, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The plant flowers from May to June in Florida. Fruit matures in 60 days. Fruit 

production occurs in 6 to 8 years from seed (PERENNIAL, BARWICK).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical America in dry or moist coastal woodlands and forests from sea 

level to 300 meters (1,000 feet). Requires warm tropical lowlands and full sun. Tolerates dry to 

moist conditions and a variety of soils. Grows best in rich loam. Moderate salt tolerance. Poor 

growth occurs in high pH soils. Can tolerate some frost. Propagation is by seed (PERENNIAL, 

BARWICK, TRADE WINDS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; processed into jellies, jams, juices, and 

preserves. Preserved fruit is used in tarts. Fruit juice is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages. 

Fruit is used to make guavaberry rum (PERENNIAL, BARWICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruits are sold by herbalists for the purpose of making depurative syrup. The 

decoction is taken as a treatment for liver complaints (MORTON).

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands; experimental plants are grown in Hawaii and Florida; 

no yield data is available (GRIN, MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Northern South America, Brazil, 

Western South America; occasionally cultivated in Bermuda and the Philippines; no yield data is available 

(GRIN, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental (GRIN, BARWICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, BARWICK, MORTON, 

TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MYCFL
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1. Guava, Brazilian [(Guinea guava, Brasiliaanse koejawel, goyavier du Brésil, Stachelbeerguave, 

araçá-azedo, guayaba ágria (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Psidium guineense Sw. [(syn: Psidium araca Raddi, Psidium guyanense Pers., Psidium polycarpon

Lamb. (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing, slender shrub or tree that reaches a height of 1 to 7 meters (3 to 23 feet). Native to South 

America. Branchlets are finely hairy and cylindrical or compressed-cylindrical. Evergreen grayish leaves 

are stiff, oblong, oblong-oval, acute, obtuse, elliptic, ovate or obovate in shape, finely toothed, hairy on the 

upperside, hairy beneath with pale or rusty hairs and glands, and 3.5 to 14 centimeters (1.4 to 5.5 inches) 

long, by 2.5 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) wide. White flowers are borne singly or in clusters of 3 upon one 

peduncle in the leaf axils. Individual flowers contain 150 to 200 stamens. Pale yellow to greenish yellow 

fruit is solitary on new growth, ellipsoid, round or pear-shaped, 0.3 to 2.5 centimeters (0.125 to 1 inch) wide 

and 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) in diameter. Fruit is smaller than the common guava. The peel is 

smooth. Flesh is thick and pale yellow and the pulp is white in color. The flavor slightly resembles 

strawberries and is sour, resinous, subacid, or highly acidic. Aromatic and not as musky as the common 

guava. Each fruit contains numerous small, hard seeds. A firm fruit when ripe (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, POPENOE, PIER).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: No specific entry. 

b. Cultivation: Requires tropical to warm subtropical climates. Tolerant of a variety of soil 

conditions, low temperatures, and arid conditions. Does not tolerate light sandy soil. The tree bears 

heavily at sea level. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Germination occurs in several weeks to a 

few months. Seeds should be planted in 24 to 29 °C (75 to 85 °F) soil (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

TRADE WINDS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry. 

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp can be eaten fresh but is most often used for baking and preserving; 

used most for making jellies (PERENNIAL, MORTON, TRADE WINDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry. 

f. Medicinal aspects: In Brazil, a decoction of the bark or roots is used to treat urinary diseases, 

diarrhea and dysentery. In Costa Rica, the plant is used to reduce varicose veins and ulcers on the 

legs. A leaf decoction is used to relieve colds and bronchitis (MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Southern California (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, 

Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama; the Caribbean including Cuba, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, 

Martinique, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago; South America including French Guyana, 

Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay; India; naturalized 

elsewhere (GRIN).

6. Use: fruit, weed, wood for tool-making; bark is rich in tannin and used for curing hides (GRIN, 

MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = Guava, feijoa, jaboticaba, wax jambu, starfruit, passionfruit, 

acerola
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10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE, PIER, TRADE 

WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes: a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PSIGN (Psidium guineense SW).
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1. Guava, Cattley [(Chinese strawberry guava, purple guava, purple strawberry guava, red strawberry 

guava, strawberry guava, yellow Cattley guava, yellow strawberry guava, aarbei koejawel, goyave fraise, 

Erdbeerguave, waiawi, araçá-da-praia, araçá-de-comer, araçá-de-coroa, araçá-do-campo, araçá-do-mato, 

guayabo pequeño (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Psidium cattleianum Sabine [(syn: Psidium cattleianum var. cattleianum, Psidium humile Vell., 

Psidium cattleianum var. littorale (GRIN))]

1. Purple strawberry guava [(purple guava, Cattley guava, red strawberry guava, strawberry guava, 

yellow strawberry guava, goyave fraise, Erdbeerguave, guayabo pequeño (GRIN))]

Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum [(Psidium cattleianum var. longipes auct., Psidium 

coriaceum var. longipes O. Berg, Psidium littorale var. longipes (O. Berg) Fosberg (GRIN))]

1. Yellow strawberry guava

Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum forma lucidum O. Deg. [(Psidium cattleianum var. 

cattleianum (GRIN))]

1. Strawberry guava [(Chinese strawberry guava, waiawi, yellow Cattley guava, yellow strawberry guava 

(GRIN))]

Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. littorale (Raddi) Fosberg [(Psidium littorale Raddi (basionym) 

(GRIN))]

2. A bushy shrub or small tree growing to a height of 2 to 12 meters (7 to 39 feet). Psidium cattleianum 

Sabine generally grows 2 to 4 meters (7 to 13 feet) tall, while the yellow-fruited form (Psidium cattleianum

Sabine var. cattleianum forma lucidum) may reach 12 meters (39 feet) tall. Native to the coastal lowlands of 

eastern Brazil and Uruguay. More attractive foliage and fruit compared to the common guava. Grey-brown 

to reddish-brown bark is smooth to peeling. Brown-barked branches are slender, smooth and cylindrical. 

Dark green evergreen leaves are opposite, simple, acute, smooth, glossy, thick, leathery, aromatic, obovate 

to elliptic in shape, 3 to 12 centimeters (1.2 to 5 inches) long and 1.6 to 6 centimeters (0.6 to 2.4 inches) wide. 

Fragrant flowers are borne in the leaf axils singly or in threes. Individual white flowers are 1.5 to 6 

centimeters (0.6 to 2.4 inches) in diameter and contain four petals, numerous 2 centimeter (0.8 inch) long 

stamens, and a four- to five-lobed calyx. Purple-red fruit is a spherical to obovoid berry that is solitary on 

new growth, and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) in diameter. The peel is thin and tipped with a 

five-lobed calyx. Flesh of red-skinned fruit is whitish in color with a red tint. Flesh of the yellow-skinned 

fruit is yellowish in color. Flesh is aromatic, soft, 0.3 centimeters (0.123 inch) thick, and surrounds the pulp. 

Pulp is juicy and somewhat translucent. The flavor is sweet, spicy, subacid or strawberry-like. Lacks 

muskiness of the common guava. The pulp contains numerous small, hard, flattened-triangular seeds 

measuring 0.25 centimeters (0.1 inch) long. This fruit has several fruit forms. Yellow, red, and purple forms 

are regarded as the same species (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE, FLEPPC, NPS, VAN 

WYK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs several times per year in Florida. In some areas including India, there 

may be two crops per year (July to August and January to February). On the California coast, fruit 

ripens from August to March. Inland California, fruit ripens October to December. In Florida, fruit 

ripens August to October. Fruit matures in 60 to 90 days. Fruit production occurs in 2 to 3 years 

from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires a cool to hot climate. Prefers full sun, rich sandy loam or red clay, dry 

climate, and elevations of sea level to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). Can be grown on a variety of soil 

conditions including poor, limestone, saline, swampy, or well-drained soils; can grow in moist to 

dry forests and disturbed areas. The red form tolerates temperatures up to -6 °C (21 °F), shade, and 

drought. Hardier than the common guava. The yellow form is less tolerant of cold temperatures, but 

can tolerate minor flooding. Trees are invasive in many areas of the world, forming thickets and 

mats of roots; can shade out native vegetation; worst pest plant in Hawaii. Propagation is by seed, 

grafting, budding, rooted cuttings, and layering. Most red form cultivars are propagated 

vegetatively. Yellow form fruit are usually grown from seed. Young trees are not commonly 
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trained but are fertilized and irrigated. Ripe fruit is very perishable and can only be stored for 3 to 4 

days at room temperature. Fruit that are shipped long distances are harvested before ripening and 

are stored above 2.2 °C (36 °F) (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE, FLEPPC, NPS). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Ripe fruit is very perishable and is usually sold at local markets.

Fruit that is shipped long distances for market sales is harvested before ripening. Commercial 

growers sometimes ship fruit to local processors or factories instead of fresh fruit markets 

(MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp is consumed fresh out-of-hand without preparation except 

removal of the calyx. Fruit is also processed to make juice, wine, jellies, jams, butters, pastes, 

preserves, puree or tart-filings, desserts, custards, and sherbets (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, 

ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of fiber and vitamin C (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, southern and central Florida, southern California; yellow strawberry guava is 

cultivated in Hawaii (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Central America, Mexico, the West Indies, Bermuda, the Bahamas, 

Jamaica, South America including Brazil, Uruguay; Africa, Portugal, Mauritius, Reunion, Seychelles, India, 

Sri Lanka, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Southern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Micronesia, French 

Polynesia; naturalized and cultivated elsewhere in the tropics and subtropics; no figures are available on 

world production. Orchards are said to yield up to 13.6 tonnes (15 tons) per hectare. In some areas, 27 

tonnes (30 tons) can be obtained from 2 hectares (5 acres) (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit, beads, weed; grown in the home garden; ornamental or hedge plant; (GRIN, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = Guava, feijoa, jaboticaba, wax jambu, starfruit, passionfruit, 

acerola

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, 

POPENOE, FLEPPC, NPS, VAN WYK, ECOCROP.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PSILO (listed as Psidium cattleianum SALISBURY = Cattley guava), 

PSILO (listed as Psidium littorale var. longipes (O.C.BERG) MCVAUGH = Purple strawberry 

guava)
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1. Guava, Costa Rican [(goyavier de Costa Rica, arrayán, cas ácida, guayaba de choco (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied. [(syn: Calyptropsidium friedrichsthalianum O. Berg 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

2. An attractive erect shrub or small tree growing to a height of 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet). Trees are 

usually smaller than 10 meters (33 feet). Native to Central America, Mexico, and Colombia. The trunk and 

branches are slender. Bark is red-brown with grayish patches. Dark reddish minutely hairy branchlets are 

square, wiry, and 4-winged. Evergreen leaves are dark and glossy above, pale and pubescent below, elliptic, 

oblong-elliptic or oval in shape, pointed at the tip, gland-dotted, thin, 3.8 to 12 centimeters (1.5 to 4.75 

inches) long and 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide. Fragrant white flowers are borne singly on 

peduncles and measure 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. Individual flowers contain 5 waxy petals and 300 

stamens measuring 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch). Sulfur yellow fruit is solitary on new growth, small, spherical 

to ovoid in shape and 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.4 inches) in diameter. The soft pulp is pale yellow to white 

in color. The flavor is very sour and acidic. Each fruit contains a few flattened seeds that measure 0.5 

centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Aromatic, without a musky odor (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, 

POPENOE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering takes place from March to April and September to October in Florida. Fruit 

matures in approximately 90 days. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years from seed (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical climate. Trees grow in valleys, along streams, on temperate 

highlands, and in swampy woods along the coast and inland. Prefers medium to high rainfall. 

Tolerates a variety of well-drained soil conditions and low to medium elevations. Trees do not fruit 

well at sea level, but do well at higher elevations. Not tolerant of frost. Propagation is by seed and 

cuttings. Not cultivated extensively (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Due to acidity, pulp is most often processed into beverages, jellies, jams, 

preserves, and pie filling (PERENNIAL, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is rich in pectin (MORTON, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America including Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador, 

Colombia, Ecuador, the Philippines; no production data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit, home garden plant, wood (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = Guava, feijoa, jaboticaba, wax jambu, starfruit, passionfruit, 

acerola

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PSIFR (Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O.C.BERG) NIEDENZU)
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1. Guava, Para 

Myrtaceae

Psidium acutangulum DC. [(Britoa acida (Mart.) O. Berg, Psidium acutangulum var. acidum Mart. 

ex DC. (GRIN))]

2. An erect shrub or small tree that reaches a height of 6 to 12 meters (20 to 40 feet). Native to the eastern 

Amazon forest in Brazil. Branches are slender and branclets are quadrangular and winged near the leaf base. 

Leaves are alternate, smooth, shiny, oblong-ovate, elliptical, or oblong-lanceolate in shape, pointed at the tip, 

rounded at the base, borne on short petioles, and 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) wide by 5 to 14 

centimeters (2 to 5.5 inches) long. White flowers are solitary or in 2’s or 3’s in the leaf axils on long-stalked 

slender quadrangular peduncles. Individual flowers contain 5 petals and over 300 stamens. The calyx is 

closed and splits when the flower expands. Pollination is by bees. Sulfur yellow to yellow-green fruit is 

small, round, pear, ellipsoid or oval in shape, 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) wide and 5 to 8 centimeters 

(2 to 3 inches) long. The peel is leathery and there is a persistent calyx. The pulp is soft and whitish to 

yellowish-white. The flavor is acidic to sour but good tasting and similar to the common guava. The aroma 

is not as musky as the common guava. Immature fruit is green. Each fruit contains a few hard seeds that are 

triangular and larger in size than the common guava. Small experimental plots and cultivation occur in 

Brazil (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from October to December and fruit ripens in the spring (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requirements are similar to the common guava. Prefers a hot, dry tropical climate, 

light soils, full sun to part shade, high rainfall and low to medium elevations. Less hardy than the 

tropical guava. Fertilization aids fruit set. Propagation is by seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, POPENOE, TRADE WINDS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: The fruits are consumed in their natural state (juices, sherberts) 

and sweets (BRAZILIAN).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is very acidic and is consumed fresh mixed with honey; also 

processed into ice cream, sorbet, gelatins, preserves, juice (lemonade-like drinks), jellis, and candies

(PERENNIAL, MORTON, TRADE WINDS, PERENNIAL).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is composed of 86% water, a pulp pH of 3, a citric acid content of 1.87%, 

and a vitamin C content of 389.3 mg/100 g fresh pulp; peels contain high antioxidant activity

(MORTON, JANICK, TRADE WINDS).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No specific entry.

5. Other commercial production regions: Amazonia; South America including Guyana, Suriname, Venezula, 

Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE, TRADE WINDS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = Guava, feijoa, jaboticaba, wax jambu, starfruit, passionfruit, 

acerola

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE, TRADE 

WINDS.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BTOAC (Britoa acida BERG).
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1. Guayabillo [(arrayán (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Psidium sartorianum (O. Berg) Nied. [(Calyptranthes tonduzii Donn. Sm., Mitranthes sartoriana O. 

Berg (basionym), Psidium microphyllum Britton (GRIN))]

2. A medium-sized tree or bush that grows to a height of 15 meters (49 feet). Native to the West Indies and 

Central America. Pale yellow to yellow-orange fruit is small, spherical, solitary on new growth, and 1 to 1.5 

centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) in diameter. The pulp is whitish in color. The flavor is sweetish, acidic, or tart 

and has overtones of citrus and floral perfume (TRADE WINDS, PERENNIAL).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: No specific entry.

b. Cultivation: Requires warm tropical or subtropical climate. Can tolerate some frost. Propagation 

is by seed (TRADE WINDS, PERENNIAL).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh and in jellies (TRADE WINDS, PERENNIAL).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Southern California (TRADE WINDS). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Mexico, Central America including Belize, Costa Rica, El 

Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama; Cuba; South America including French Guiana, 

Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador (GRIN). 

6. Use: fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: No entry

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, TRADE WINDS, PERENNIAL.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
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1. Illawarra plum

Podocarpaceae

Podocarpus elatus R. Br. Ex Endl. 

2. A fast-growing evergreen medium to tall tree growing to 40 meters (131 feet) tall. Native to Australia. A 

primitive species that is found along waterways. The dark-green crown is dense. The trunk grows up to 90 

centimeters (35 inches) in diameter and is irregular, especially at the base; contains brown to dark brown 

bark that is fissured and scaly on older trees. The leaves are oblong to linear, 5 to 14 centimeters (2 to 6 

inches) long and 0.6 to 1.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.7 inches) wide. Male cones are narrow-cylindrical, 

catkin-like, up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long and occur in sessile, axillary clusters. Female cones are 

axillary, stalked and solitary; there are few scales. The cone is fleshy and unites with the stalk to form a 

fleshy receptacle. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Plants are pollinated by wind. A single 

seed is attached by a fleshy stem to the branch. The “fruit” is a grape-like swollen stalk that is dark

blue-purple in color, berry-like and contains a fleshy base that is 2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) in 

diameter. The skin is waxy. The edible portion is described as mucilaginous with a resinous flavor. The 

single oval to round seed is borne on the top of the fruit and is 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter (PLANTS 

FOR A FUTURE, CONIFERS, ANBG, BOTANIC, ECOCROP, WIKIPEDIA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruits are ripe from March to July (CONIFERS).

b. Cultivation: Prefers a rich, moist non-alkaline soil and a humid climate. Grows best in coastal 

lowlands on deep alluvial soils beside river banks. Also thrives in the dense subtropical riverine and 

seashore rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales. Tolerates moist, well-drained acidic or 

neutral sandy, loamy and clay soils and temperatures down to -7 °C (19 °F) in Australian gardens. 

Grows in semi-shade or full sun at elevations between sea level and 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Can 

tolerate maritime exposure and fire. Propagated by seed and cuttings. Seeds are sown in sandy soil 

in a warm greenhouse. Seedlings should be planted into individual pots and left in the greenhouse 

for one winter. Trees are planted in the permanent position in late spring or early summer after the 

last frost. The seeds ripen in October. Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots are cut 5 to 10 

centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long and placed in a frame in July in August (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

ANBG, BOTANIC, ECOCROP).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed raw or cooked. Processed into jelly and jam. Used in 

tarts and cakes. The fleshy stems of the seeds were eaten by Aboriginal people in Australia

(PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, ANBG, BOTANIC).

e. Nutritional aspects: Edible portion is high in vitamin C (BOTANIC).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry (GRIN).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Australia; no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit; wood is used for cabinet making, table tops, furniture, packing cases, kitchen utensils, musical 

instruments, woodturning, and boat building; ornamental (GRIN, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

WIKIPEDIA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, CONIFERS, ANBG, BOTANIC, 

ECOCROP, WIKIPEDIA.
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11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PODET
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293

1. Imbé [(African mangosteen (GRIN))]

Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae)

Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson

2. A small, slow-growing evergreen shrub or tree reaching 6 to 18 meters (20 to 59 feet) in height. Native to 

eastern tropical Asia and East Africa. The tree is pyramidal when young and later becomes a spreading tree 

with thick, blue-green young branches and yellow to red resin. The plant possesses a unique growh habit where 

most branches grow out at right angles to the main stem. Tough, leathery, waxy blue-green leaves with whitish 

veins grow 8 centimeters (3 inches) in a whorl (4 or opposite). Single leaves are egg to lance-shaped and grow 

6 to 11 by 3 to 5.5 centimeters (2.4 to 4.3 by 1.2 to 2.2 inches). Scented greenish, whitish, or yellow flowers 

occur in groups of 5 to 15 in leaf axils on old wood. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Orange 

fruit is an ellipsoid berry that grows 1 to 4 centimeters (0.4 to 1.6 inches) in diameter. The skin is smoth and

thin. Pulp is light orange; the flavor is sweet and resembles apricots. Two large seeds are contained within the 

fruit (PERENNIAL, PLANTZAFRICA, QUISQUALIS, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs February to April and August to September in Florida. Fruit matures in 

180 to 200 days. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 6 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from grafts

(PERENNIAL).

b. Cultivation: Grown in hot, dry tropical climate in deep acidic or sandy soil. Also grows in more 

humid climates and subtropical climates. Requires warm winters, hot to very hot summers and full sun. 

Tolerates drought, salt, wind, heavy rain, light shade, varying rainfall from 20 to 100 cm (8 to 39 inches)

per year and many different types of soil. Does not tolerate extreme cold, but can tolerate temperatures 

to -3 °C (26 °F). Propagation is by seed and grafting. Trees should be fertilized every 3 to 4 months 

with a complete tree fertilizer. The thin skin of the fruit and susceptibility to damage has hindered 

commercial cultivation (PERENNIAL, PLANTZAFRICA, QUISQUALIS, TRADE WINDS). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh. Fruit can be processed into jelly, jam, 

preserves, fruit leathers, pies, milkshakes, ice cream and assorted desserts; can be fermented into an 

alcoholic beverage (PLANTZAFRICA, QUISQUALIS, TRADE WINDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: The tree is used in traditional medicine and the powdered root is used as an 

aphrodisiac (PLANTZAFRICA).

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (PERENNIAL).

5. Other production regions: Tropical; northeast/east/west/South Africa; eastern tropical Asia; no yield data 

is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL).

6. Use: Pulp used in the preparation of a wine and eaten fresh; wood is used as timber; garden plant

(MARKLE, PLANTZAFRICA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible 

peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, PLANTZAFRICA, QUISQUALIS, 

TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: GANLI
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294

1. Imbu [(umbú, umbu, hog-plum (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Spondias tuberosa Arruda ex Kost.

2. A tree that has the potential to grow 6 meters (20 feet) tall, but usually forms a low, spreading tree. Native 

to Northeastern Brazil. Grows in dry areas called catingas and dry plains. The soft, tuberous specialized root 

storage organs called cunca, enable the tree to tolerate drought. The tree has the ability to branch at 1.5 to 2 

meters (5 to 7 feet) above the ground and form a broad flat crown that meastures 2 to 9 meters (7 to 30 feet) in 

diameter. However, most of the time, the branching is irregular. The pinnate leaves are 10 to 15 centimeters

(4 to 6 inches) long and contain 5 to 9 leaflets that are oblong or oblong-ovate, serrated and 2.5 to 4.5

centimeters (1 to 1.8 inches) long. Flowers are small, white, are composed of a calyx with four to five 

segments and a corolla of four to five petals. The flowers are borne in panicles that measure 10 to 15 

centimeters (4 to 6 inches) long. Greenish-yellow fruit are produced on thin stems near the ends of the 

branches, are ellipsoidal to oval in shape, and are 3.5 to 4 centimeters (1.4 to 1.6 inches) long. Fruit contain a 

smooth, thick, tough skin and grow in clusters of 3 to 4. Pulp is soft and whitish. The flavor is sweet, 

resembling an orange. Immature fruit is sour. Described as the best flavored fruit among all of the Spondias

species. The stone is oblong and 2 centimeters (0.75 inches) long. Wild fruit are so productive, there is little 

need for cultivation (PERENNIAL, NAGY, POPENOE, CAMPBELL, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs April to May in Florida (PERENNIAL) and fruit ripen in January and 

February (BRAZILIAN). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical or subtropical, semi-arid climate. Tolerant of dry conditions. 

Grown in the dry tropics and tropical areas with alternate seasons. Also found growing in areas with 

high humidity and an annual rainfall of 152 centimeters (60 inches). Potential crop for arid tropical 

regions. Grows in gravelly loam that is sometimes mixed with clay or sand. Susceptible to frost. 

Some plants can withstand temperatures of -2 °C (28 °F) without major injury. Propagation is by 

seed and cuttings. Seeds should be germinated in flats of light soil. Wild trees produce more fruit 

than can be consumed. Some cultivation takes place where wild trees are not present. However, the 

fruit has a short shelf life and is difficult to ship (PERENNIAL, NAGY, POPENOE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is collected from the ground and sold in local village markets 

or sold in markets outside the area of production (NAGY, CAMPBELL, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; processed into beverages, preserves, jelly, ice 

cream and desserts. Used as a flavoring. A popular dessert is made from the fruit in Brazil and is 

called imbuzada. This is made by mixing the strained sweetened pulp of slightly ripe fruits with 

boiled milk and sugar. Fruit is widely consumed during the fruiting season (PERENNIAL, 

POPENOE, CAMPBELL).

e. Nutritional aspects: Low content of ascorbic acid compared to ascorbic acid levels for other 

Spondias species (NAGY).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Minor production in South Florida; no yield data is available (MARKLE).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northeastern Brazil, South America; cultivated elsewhere. Annual 

production in 1992 was 300 kilograms (661 pounds) per tree (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, 

CAMPBELL).

6. Use: Pulp eaten fresh, made into beverages, desserts or preserves; roots are used as a source of emergency

food and water (MARKLE, NAGY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible 

peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, NAGY, POPENOE, CAMPBELL, 

MORTON.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SPXTU
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298

1. Jaboticaba [(Brazilian grapetree, jaboticabeira, jabuticaba, jabuticaba-açu, jabuticaba-de-sabará, 

jabuticaba-murta, jabuticaba-paulista (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg [(syn: Eugenia cauliflora DC., Myrtus cauliflora Mart. 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing upright small to medium shrub or tree growing 8 to 12 meters (26 to 39 feet) high. Native 

to Central and Southern Brazil, specifically the hilly region around Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Also 

popular around Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Asunción, Paraguay, and Northeastern Argentina. Trees branch 

profusely from near the ground and the branches slant upwards and outwards. The crown is dense and 

rounded and may spread to 14 meters (46 feet). The bark is smooth, thin and flakes off to leave light patches. 

Young foliage and branchlets are hairy. Leaves are dark green, glossy, leathery, evergreen, opposite, 

lanceolate, oblong or elliptic, rounded at the base and sharply pointed at the apex. Leaf size ranges from 2.5 

to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) long and 1.25 to 2 centimers (0.5 to 0.8 inch) wide. Leaves are borne near 

the branch tips. The tree comes in two forms- the ‘small fruit’ type with 3 centimeter (1.2 inch) long by 1 

centimeter (0.4 inch) wide leaves and ‘giant fruit’ types with 6 centimeter (2.4 inch) long by 3 centimeter

(1.2 inch) wide leaves. New growth is light green with a reddish tinge. The petioles are very short and 

downy. Flowers contain four hairy white petals and 60 stamens measuring 0.4 centimeter (0.2 inch) long. 

Flowers emerge from the trunks, branches and exposed roots in groups of four on a short, thick stalk and 

measure up to 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter. Mature black fruit occur singly or in clusters on short 

stalks. Fruit are spherical, slightly oblate, broad-pyriform or ellipsoid and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 

inches) in diameter. At the apex, a small disk and vestiges of the four sepals are present. Small variety fruit 

are 2.3 centimeters (0.9 inch) in diameter and giant variety fruit are 4 centimeters (1.6 inch) in diameter. The 

skin is smooth, tough, thick, glossy, and changes in color from green when immature to red-purple, 

maroon-purple or black when mature. Fruit are borne on the trunk, exposed roots and large limbs of the tree. 

The gelatinous, juicy translucent pulp is white or pink and the flavor is sweet, slightly acidic and spicy. 

Many describe the taste as a mixture of grape, litchi and blackcurrant. Some fruit may be mildly resinous

and astringent. There are one to five oval or round light brown seeds that may be hard or tender and measure

0.6 to 1.25 centiimeters (0.5 inch) long (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN 

WYK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: There are several cycles of flowers and fruit per year in the tropics. Approximately 2 to 

3 crops are produced in the subtropics. Trees in Southern Florida produce two crops per year. The 

major flowering peak in Brazil occurs in the spring (August to September) following the first rainfall. 

Trees do not flower as abundantly as in the areas where the winter is cold and dry. Flowering can be 

encouraged with irrigation but flower buds must already be developed. Heavy irrigation in the dry 

season can produce several crops per year. Flower development takes 40 days. Solitary trees do not 

produce as much as trees planted in clumps or orchards. Fruit occur through the summer months and 

take five to seven weeks to mature from flowering. Fruit production occurs in 6 to 10 years from 

seed. Grafted trees fruit in 7 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL). 

b. Cultivation: Requires cool tropical and warm subtropical climates with medium to high rainfall

and full sun. Grows best in groups on deep, fertile, mildly acid, well-drained soil above 500 meters

(1,640 feet). Also grows well on sandy soils, heavy clay, and oolitic limestone. Tolerant of light 

frosts reaching -3 °C (27 °F). Not tolerant of salty or poorly drained soil. Propagation is by seed, 

inarching, air-layering, tissue culture, cuttings, and grafting. Seed germination takes place in 20 to 

40 days. Each seed produces four to six plants. Trees should be planted 6 by 6 meters (20 by 20 feet)

to 6 by 4 meters (20 by 13 feet) apart. Jaboticabas have been cultivated in Brazil since 

pre-Columbian times. Fruit are cultivated in orchards containing 500 to 1,000 trees. Fruit are 

harvested when the fruit turns deep purple to black and becomes soft to the touch. Maturation takes 

place over 2 weeks on one tree. The tough skin protects the fruit from bruising. Storage life is no 

more than 3 days. Coating the fruit with wax and wrapping in plastic increases storage life to 21 
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days when held at 12 °C (54 °F) (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL).

c. Availability in the marketplace: When in season, the fruit can be found in Brazilian markets and 

at roadside stalls (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh by squeezing the fruit between the thumb and 

forefinger. This causes the skin to rupture and the pulp to slip out. Since the skin is high in tannins, 

it is astringent and normally not consumed. Fruit can be processed into jellies, sauces, compotes, 

fruit juices, fruit salads, jams, nectars, liquors and wine. Fruit are also served with ice cream

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit is rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins (JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The high tannin-containing sun-dried skins are used to make an astringent 

decoction as a treatment for hemoptysis, asthma, diarrhea, and sore throats (JANICK).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Some production in South Florida; California; used to make wine in Hawaii; no yield 

data is available (MARKLE, JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: South America, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina; Australia;

introduced into tropical and subtropical areas. One tree may produce 500 to 800 kilograms (1,102 to 1,764 

pounds) of fresh fruit (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK, CULL).

6. Use: Pulp eaten fresh out of hand or in salads or desserts. Fruit can also be processed into jellies or wine; 

ornamental; grown in home gardens (MARKLE, PERENNIAL). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FT 0300) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = jaboticaba

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MORTON, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, CULL.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MYCCA
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1. Jamaica cherry [(calabur-tree, capulin, Panama-berry, strawberry-tree, bois ramier, cacaniqua, capulín 

blanco, nigua, bolaina yamanaza (GRIN))]

Muntingiaceae. Also placed in: Elaeocarpaceae Tiliaceae

Muntingia calabura L.

2. A rapidly growing, slender, neotropical pioneer tree of forest gaps that grows 5 to 12 meters (16 to 39 feet)

high. Widely distributed from Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil. Known to be an invasive plant in some areas. 

Branches are spreading, nearly horizontal and fan-like. The tree is an evergreen that sheds most of its leaves 

only when there is a very dry season. Dark green leaves are alternate, simple lanceolate or oblong, pointed at 

the apex, oblique at the base, irregularly toothed, and 4 to 14 centimers (1.6 to 5.5 inches) long by 1 to 4 

centimeters (0.4 to 1.6 inches) wide. The upper surface of the leaves contain minute sicky hairs and the 

undersides are grey or brown and hairy. White to light pink flowers are 1.25 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 0.8 inch)

wide, borne in the leaf axils singly or in two’s or three’s, and contain five fine green sepals, five petals and 

many yellow stamens. Flowers resemble strawberry blossoms. There are 4 to 9 days between sequential 

openings of the individual flowers. There are a range of floral forms. Flowers contain both male and female 

reproductive organs. The flower opens before dawn and lasts for only a day. Bees are the main source of 

pollination. Red to yellow berries are round, 1 to 1.25 centimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inch) in diameter, sweet, sticky,

and slightly astringent. The skin is smooth, thin and tender. Pulp is light brown, soft and juicy; the flavor is 

musky and fig-like. There are numerous minute black to dark-brown seeds. Fruit are popular in the 

Philippines with children (JANICK, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers are initiated by the growing shoot, along with the subtending leaf. The leaf and 

flower develop concurrently, with the fruit maturing shortly before the leaf falls. Fruit are borne 

nearly year-round in many locations. In Florida and Sao Paulo, Brazil, flowering and fruiting are 

interrupted during the four coolest months. Fruit ripen in 6 to 8 weeks from anthesis (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grows well in tropical to near tropical locations, in warm, humid climate at 

elevations up to 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). Requires at least 100 centimeters (39 inches) of annual 

rainfall and good drainage. Tolerates occasional low night and winter temperatures, drought, poor, 

rocky acidic to alkaline soils, polluted city air, and denuded mountains where other trees fail to grow. 

Prefers light soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Does not tolerate salt, waterlogged conditions, or

calcareous soils. Seedlings do not tolerate shade. Rarely grown on a commercial scale. Fruit are 

propagated by seed, cuttings and air layering. Seed are sown directly into the field. High 

temperatures and light are required for germination. Plants begin fruiting 18 months from seed. 

Tees should be planted 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) apart. The planting hole should contain a 

mixture of soil and organic matter. Most fruit are obtained from wild plants. Many consider fruit 

too small to be of commercial value. Harvesting takes place by shaking ripe fruit from the branches 

of the tree (JANICK, MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local Mexican markets (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Berries are consumed fresh; processed into preserves and jam. Fruit are 

cooked in tarts. An infusion of the leaves is drunk as a tea-like beverage (JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The roots of the tree are used as an antiseptic in Vietnam and an abortion drug

in Malaysia. Populations in Columbia create infusions of flowers and use them as a tranquillizer and 

tonic. In the Philippines, infusions of flowers are used to treat toothaches, indigestion, and cramps. 

Infusions are also thought to induce sweating. In other countries, flower infusions are used as an 

antiseptic and to treat headaches and cold symptoms. Leaf decoctions are used as an antidiarrhoeal. 

Bark decoctions are used as skin softners (JANICK).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, northern South America, 

western South America (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru), Greater Antilles, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Southeast Asia, 

Jamaica; widely cultivated in warm areas of the New World and in India, Malaya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and 
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the Philippines; no yield data is available (GRIN, MORTON).

6. Use: Ornamental, fruit; potential as fuelwood; fiber (materials); bark is used to make twine and large rope; 

wood is used for interior sheathing, small boxes, casks, and general carpentry; being evaluated as a source of 

paper pulp; shade tree; fruits are used as bait to catch fish (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PLANTS DATABASE, MORTON.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Regions 3, 10 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MUNCA
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1. Jambolan [(jaman, Java-plum, jamélongue, jambolanier, Jambolanapflaume, Wachsjambuse, guayabo 

pesgua, yambolana (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels [(syn: Eugenia cumini (L.) Druce, Eugenia jambolana Lam., Myrtus 

cumini L. (basionym), Syzygium jambolanum (Lam.) DC. (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing large tree that reaches a height of 12 to 30 meters (39 to 98 feet). The tree can attain a 

spread of 11 meters (36 feet). Native to India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Sri Lanka and the Andaman 

Islands. The tree contains a rounded crown and thick trunk that may fork into multiple trunks a short 

distance from the ground. The main trunk may reach 0.6 to 0.9 meters (2 to 3 feet) in diameter. The bark on 

the lower part of the tree is rough, cracked, flaking and discolored. Bark further up the tree is smooth and 

light-gray. Young stems are slender and grayish-white. Large dark green leaves contain a yellow midrib, 

are turpentine-scented, evergreen, leathery, glossy, opposite, entire, oblong-oval, broadly obovate-elliptic, 

elliptic-oblong or elliptic, blunt to tapering to a point at the apex, rounded at the base, 5 to 25 centimeters (2 

to 10 inches) long, and 2.5 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) wide. Petioles are 1 to 3.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1.4 

inches) long. Young leaves are pinkish. Small fragrant flowers have a funnel-shaped calyx, 4 to 5 united 

petals, are 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) or more in length. Flowers are borne 

in 2.5 to 10 centimeter (1 to 4 inch) long clusters. Flower petals change in color from white to rose-pink and 

then shed. Small purple fruit are curved, ellipsoid, round or oblong, occur in clusters of 2 to 40, and grow in 

size from 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) in diameter. Fruit can obtain a length from 1.25 to 5 

centimeters (0.5 to 2 inches). Immature fruit are green to light-magenta and become dark-purple or nearly 

black when mature. Some species are white in color. The skin is thin, smooth, glossy, and adherent to the 

pulp. Pulp is white to lavender in color and juicy; the flavor is fairly sweet to subacid or slightly astringent. 

Each fruit contains single oblong green or brown seed that is up to 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) in length. 

Some fruits contain 2 to 5 oblong seeds that are tightly compressed within a leathery coat and some are 

seedless (JANICK, PERENNIAL, MORTON, VAN WYK, FLEPPC).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs March to April in Florida, July and August in Java, May to August in 

Sri Lanka, and February and March in India. Flowering can occur during other seasons. Fruit 

matures in 90 days. Fruit is in season in April in the Marquesas, mid-May to mid-June in the 

Philippines, late summer to fall in Hawaii, September and October in Java, November and 

December in Sri Lanka, and through late May, June and July in India and Florida. Small second 

crops occur in October. Fruit production occurs 5 to 10 years from seed and 4 to 7 years from 

grafting (PERENNIAL, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical humid lowlands or hot subtropical climates from sea level to 1,800 

meters (6,000 feet). Does not fruit at elevations above 600 meters (2,000 feet). Grows semi-wild in 

Hawaii in moist areas below 600 meters (2,000 feet). Grows only in areas with miniumum 

temperatures above 1.7 °C (35 °F). Grows best in regions with annual heavy rainfall of 1,016 

centimeters (400 inches) and full sun. Thrives on river banks. Dry weather is required during 

flowering and fruiting periods. Tolerant of a variety of soils, including poorly drained soils, 

seasonal dry periods and prolonged flooding. Grows well under adverse condtions in low, wet areas. 

Also grows well on higher, well-drained loam, marl, sand or oolitic limestone soils. Not tolerant to 

heavy salt spray, overwash and saline or sodic soils. Young trees are sensitive to frost, while mature 

trees tolerate brief below-freezing temperatures. Has become invasive in many areas and is shading 

out native trees. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, budding, layering and grafting. Seeds are sown 

during the rainy season in India and germinate in 2 weeks. In India, fruits are harvested several 

times during the season by hand as ripening occurs. Fruits do not travel well (JANICK, 

PERENNIAL, MORTON, VAN WYK, FLEPPC, TROPILAB).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Marketed in Asia and other local markets (PERENNIAL, VAN 

WYK, FLEPPC).

d. Preparation for cooking: Immature and mature fruit is consumed fresh; green fruit are consumed 

raw with salt; fruit are processed into jellies, sauces, ice cream, jam, distilled liquors, brandy, 
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vinegar, and wine. Fruit are made into tarts. Astringent fruits are made sweeter by soaking in salt 

water or pricking them, rubbing them with salt, and letting them stand for an hour. Lower quality 

fruit are used for juice. Juice is made by cooking the fruit and allowing the juice to drain out without 

squeezing. The juice is then used for sherbet, syrup and drinks. A special drink called “squash” is 

made by cooking the crushed fruits, pressing out the juice, and adding sugar, water, citric acid, and 

sodium benzoate. White-fleshed jambolans contain large amounts of pectin and are used to made 

jellies (PERENNIAL, MORTON, JANICK, TRADE WINDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruits have a low energy value and contain some vitamin C; the pulp 

contains resin, gallic acid and tannin (VAN WYK, TROPILAB).

f. Medicinal aspects: There is more interest in the fruit for its medicinal properties than its food 

purposes. The fruit is an astringent, stomachic, carminative, antiscorbutic and diuretic. A thick jam

made from the fruit aids diarrhea. The juice is used to cure enlargement of the spleen, chronic 

diarrhea, urine retention and sore throats; it also serves as a lotion for ringworm of the scalp. Seeds 

and bark in liquid or powdered form are administered 2 to 3 times per day to patients with diabetes 

or glycosuiria. Leaves in alcohol are also administered for diabetes. Leaf juice is administered to 

treat dysentery and skin diseases. The seeds are also used in lowering blood pressure. Leaves, stems, 

flowerbuds, opened blossoms, and bark has antibiotic activity. A decoction of the bark is taken for 

dyspepsia, dysentery, asthma, bronchitis, stomatitis, inflammations, and diarrhea (MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Cultivated and naturalized in the Southeastern United States, Florida, California, 

Hawaii and Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (GRIN, MORTON).

5. Other production regions: East tropical Africa, China, Indian subcontinent (Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri 

Lanka, Burma), Suriname, Central America, Andaman Islands, Indonesia, Malaya, Malaysia; cultivated and 

naturalized in tropical and South Africa, Israel, Algiers, Australia, tropical Southern America, southeast 

Asia, the Philippines, the West Indies, Zanzibar, Pemba and Mombasa, Mascarenes, Marquesas, Bermuda, 

Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Lesser Antilles, Trinidad, Seychelles, Galapagos; a crop of 700 fruit were obtained 

from a 5-year-old tree (GRIN, MORTON, TROPILAB).

6. Use: Bee plants (pollination and nectar), ornamental, shade tree, wind break, fruit, medicinal purposes, 

weed; leaves serve as fodder for livestock and food for tassar silkworms in India; young shoots are used as a 

teeth cleaner; essential oil from the leaves scents soaps and is an ingredient used in perfume; bark is used in 

tanning leather, preserving fishing nets and is a source of brown dye; wood is used for fuel, beams, rafters, 

posts, bridges, oars, masts, troughs, well-lining, agricultural implements, carts, solid cart wheels, furniture, 

railway sleepers, and the bottoms of railroad cars (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PERENNIAL, MORTON, VAN WYK, FLEPPC, 

TROPILAB, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SYZCU
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1. Jelly palm [(pindo palm, South American jelly palm, butia de vinaigre, Butiapalme, Geleepalme, butia 

(GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc. [(syn: Butia bonnetii (Linden ex Chabaud) Becc., Butia capitata var. 

deliciosa Prosch., Butia capitata var. elegantissima (Chabaud) Becc., Butia capitata var. 

erythrospatha (Chabaud) Becc., Butia capitata var. lilaceiflora (Chabaud) Becc., Butia capitata var. 

nehrlingiana (L. H. Bailey) L. H. Bailey, Butia capitata var. odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Becc., Butia 

capitata var. pulposa (Barb. Rodr.) Becc., Butia capitata var. pygmaea Prosch., Butia capitata var. 

subglobosa Becc., Butia capitata var. virescens Becc., Butia leiospatha (Barb. Rodr.) Becc., Butia 

nehrlingiana L. H. Bailey, Cocos bonnetii Linden ex Chabaud, Cocos capitata Mart. (basionym), 

Cocos odorata Barb. Rodr., Cocos pulposa Barb. Rodr., Syagrus capitata (Mart.) Glassman

(GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing feather palm with a single trunk that grows 2 to 8 meters (7 to 26 feet) high. Native to 

Brazil. The trunk reaches approximately 0.5 meters (2 feet) in diameter and is covered with old leaf bases. 

The canopy contains 18 to 32 arching evergreen leaves. The palm has a 3 to 5 meter (10 to 15 foot) spread. 

Yellowish green, bluish gray or grayish green pinnate leaves are 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) long. Petioles 

are short, broad, armed with spines, and 0.6 to 1.2 meters (2 to 4 feet) in length. Each leaf contains 44 to 48 

pairs of stiff upright linear leaflets that form a ‘V’ and are 46 to 91 centimeters (18 to 36 inches) long. The

inflorescence is branched but short and is substended by a conspicuous woody bract. Male and female 

flowers are white to yellow and are borne on the same stalk. The yellow to orange-yellow fruit is round or

ovoid, 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter, 1.8 to 3.5 centimeters (0.7 to 1.4 inches) long, and borne in large 

clusters. The skin is smooth. The pulp is stringy and fibrous. The flavor is sweet to subacid and is 

reminiscent of tart apples or apricots. Each fruit contains one to three seeds sourrounded by a bony 

endocarp with three pores near the middle. Large quantities of fruit are produced from a single tree. Fruit 

can create a mess on sidewalks (PERENNIAL, JANICK, FLORIDATA, GILMAN 105, PLANTS FOR A 

FUTURE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers bloom in the spring. Fruit ripens in summer (GILMAN 105).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm temperate, subtropical or cool tropical climate. Native to open 

savannahs, grasslands, and dry woodlands. Grows best in sandy well-drained soils at low elevations. 

Tolerant of drought, salt, heat, windy conditions, and a variety of soil conditions including clay, 

loam, alkaline and acidic soils; can grow in dry and/or infertile soils. Grown in full sun to part

shade/part sun. Plants exposed to full sun are more compact. Hardy to at least -12 °C (10 °F). 

Resistant to freeze injury. Regular water and fertilization produces more attractive palms. 

Propagated by seed. Seeds germinate unevenly over several months to a year. It is best to sow the 

seed in a warm greenhouse at 24 °C (75 °F). Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water prior 

to sowing may aid germination. The fruit is not produced commercially (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

FLORIDATA, GILMAN 105, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; processed into jellies, jams, pies, cakes and 

preserves. The seed oil is used for margarines. The pith of the stem can be made into bread 

(PERENNIAL, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Landscape plant of the Southeastern United States and California; no yield data is 

available (FLORIDATA).

5. Other production regions: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay; widely introduced into tropical and 

subtropical areas; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL).

6. Use: Ornamental, fruit; the seed serves as a minor source of oil (GRIN, PERENNIAL).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).
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8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, FLORIDATA, PLANTS DATABASE, 

GILMAN 105, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 2 and 3 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BUJCA
Page	

107

305

1. Jujube, Chinese [(Ber, jujube, Chinese jujube, Chinese-date, Common jujube, jujubier commun, 

Brustbeerbaum, chinesische Dattel, açofeifeira, azufaifo (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Rhamnaceae

Ziziphus jujuba Mill. [(syn: Rhamnus zizyphus L., Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. 

Chow, Ziziphus sativa Gaertn., Ziziphus spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex F. H. Chen, Ziziphus vulgaris Lam., 

Ziziphus vulgaris var. spinosa Bunge, Ziziphus zizyphus (L.) H. Karst. (GRIN))]

2. A small deciduous tree growing 4.5 to 15 meters (15 to 49 feet) high. Native to Asia. Jujubes have been 

cultivated for over 4,000 years in China and India. One of the most important fruit trees in China. The bark 

of the tree is rough. Drooping branches contain curved spines at each node. Trees sprout throny shoots from 

the shallow root system that can form a thicket of thorny trees over time. The fast-growing tree can become

weedy. Leaves are small, ovate or oval, glossy, dark green, and 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long.

Margins contain very fine teeth. There are two spines at the base of each leaf. In autumn, leaves turn bright 

yellow. Yellow-green to white flowers are small, fragrant, contain both male and female organs, grow 0.5 

centimeter (0.2 inch) in diameter, and are borne in clusters in the leaf axils of the branches. Flowers may 

open in the morning or during the afternoon. Dark red to brown ellipsoid or round fruit are drupes that grow 

2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inch) long and 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) in diameter. Immature fruit are green

and slowly ripen from yellow-green with mahogany-colored spots to red. Fruit are usually consumed 

between the yellow-green stages and the full red stage. Fruit size and shape vary according to cultivar. The 

thin skin is smooth. When mature, the skin softens and wrinkles like a small date. Pulp is whitish; the flavor 

is crisp, sweet and subacid. Many believe the fruit tastes like an apple. Some varieities are tart with high 

acidty. Each fruit contains one stone that may or may not contain two seeds. Fruit is important in its native 

area. There are many varieties in China (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CRFG, 

PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers are produced during late spring and early summer. Fruit require 2 to 5 months to 

mature. Trees fruit in 3 to 4 years from seed (JANICK, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

b. Cultivation: Grown in the subtropics and warm temperate zones in full sun and sandy, 

well-drained soil. Requires hot, dry climate during the growing season and cool to cold 

temperatures during dormancy. Does best where summers are long and hot and rain seldom falls 

during fruit ripening. Trees have a medium to low chilling requirement in order to set fruit. Tolerant 

of temperatures to -10 °C (14 °F) during dormancy. Also tolerant of drought, poor soils, loam soils, 

and soils with high salinity or high alkalinity. In well-drained soils, trees grow in areas where the 

annual rainfall exceeds 150 centimeters (59 inches). Grows in dry, gravelly or stony slopes of hills 

and mountains. Propagation is by seed, budding, cuttings and grafting. For seed propagation, stones 

are removed from the fruit and dried at room temperature for several weeks. When the stone has 

dried, it is opened and the seed is soaked for 2 days in fresh water. Seeds are then stratified in moist 

sand or peat at 5 °C (41 °F) for 60 days. Seeds are then planted in warm, moist, well-drained soil. 

Germination takes place in 2 weeks. Tree spacing is 4.5 meters by 7.5 meters (15 feet by 25 feet). 

Regular fertilizer applications aid growth. Irrigation is required in semi-arid regions. Fruit are 

gathered from wild trees and are cultivated in orchards. Fruit should be harvested when the skin 

color is changing from whitish green to brown. Fruit can be stored fresh for 7 to 15 days with little 

loss of quality (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, PLANTS FOR A 

FUTURE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is prized by certain cultures and is sold in Chinese, Korean, 

Vietnamese and Indian markets. Fruit sold in Europe is about the size of olives. Chinese jujubes 

have little importance in European and North American fresh-fruit markets. Harvesting for the fresh 

market is expensive because trees are large, fruit do not store well on the tree in humid areas and 

must be harvested weekly, immature fruit does not ripen if removed from the tree, and the small fruit 

ripen over a period of 1 to 2 months. More commonly sold in the dried form (JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC).
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108

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh. Fruit may also be dried, stewed, candied,

smoked, pickled and preserved. Fruits are produced into syrups or jellies; used in soups, cakes, 

puddings and breads. Dried fruits are used in Asia for cooking, tea-making, and natural remedies. 

Dried fruit is ground into powder that is used in the preparation of ‘kochujang’, a fermented hot 

pepper soybean paste. In Europe, fruit are used as a table dessert and dry sweetmeat. In some areas, 

the fruit can be used as a coffee substitute (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit have high vitamin C content (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The plant has many uses. The most popular use of the fruit is a tea for sore 

throat. Fruits are used to aid weight gain, increase immune system resistance, improve muscular 

strength, strengthen the liver and increase stamina. Used in other cultures as an antidote, diuretic, 

emollient, and expectorant. Among other uses, leaves are used to reduce fevers and promote hair 

growth. Dried fruit aid in purifying the blood, aid digestion, treat chronic fatigue and aid loss of 

appetite, diarrhea, anaemia, irritability and hysteria. Seeds treat palpitations, insomnia, nervous 

exhaustion, night sweats, and perspiration. Roots are used to treat fevers, burns and wounds 

(NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Minor production. Trees are planted in home gardens in the Southern states; trees 

have become weedy in some states; no yield data is available (MARKLE, JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: China, southern Europe, Russia, northern Africa, Middle East,

Taiwan, Thailand, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Armenia, Syria, the Mediterranean region of Spain and France;

cultivated and naturalized in Eurasia; probable origin Asia; one of the most important fruit trees in China. 

Annual fruit production of the Chinese jujube in China is 400 million kilograms (881,849,049 pounds) on 

300,000 hectares (741,316 acres). Average yields from wild trees in the Himalayas are 9.5 kilograms (21 

pounds) per year (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC). 

6. Use: Some fresh eating, dried, smoked, pickled, or candied; wood used for fuelwood, charcoal, turnery,

and agricultural implements; beads, chemicals, medicinal purposes, ornamental, hedge; leaves are cooked as 

an emergency source of food (GRIN, MARKLE, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp and fruit skin (MARKLE).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit with stone removed. 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ZIPJU
Page	

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306

1. Jujube, Indian [(Chinese-date, cottony jujube, Indian-cherry, Indian-plum, beri, bor, nabbak-el-fil, 

jujubier, filzblättrige Jujube, ber, azufaifo africano (GRIN))]

Rhamnaceae

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. [(syn: Rhamnus jujuba L., Ziziphus jujuba (L.) Gaertn. (GRIN))]

2. A thorny, fast-growing shrub or tree reaching to 2.5 to 15 meters (8 to 49 feet) high. Native to India and 

Southeast Asia. A more tropical species compared to Ziziphus jujuba. The fruit of this tree was an important 

food source in Pakistan approximately 8,000 years ago. The tree may be erect or wide-spreading; possesses 

drooping branches, downy, zigzag branchlets that may or may not contain short, sharp straight or hooked 

spines, and a rapidly-growing taproot. The small, green, shiny, tough leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical, 

ovate, oblong-elliptic, entire, or slightly toothed. Leaves contain 3 conspicuous, deep longitudinal veins and 

grow 2.5 to 6.25 centimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) long by 2 to 4 centimeters (0.75 to 1.5 inches) wide. Unlike the 

Chinese jujube, the Indian jujube contains dense, silky white or brown hairs on the undersurface of the 

leaves and short, downy petioles. Leaves may shed during the dry season. Flowers are small, fragrant,

greenish to yellowish in color, 5-petalled, and are borne in 2’s or 3’s in the leaf axils of the branches. Some 

flowers open in the morning, while others open in the afternoon. Honeybees and house flies are the main 

pollinators. Approximately 10% of the flowers produce mature fruit. Immediately after fruit set, there is a 

very heavy fruit drop. Deep yellow, burnt-orange, red, red-brown or brown fruit is an ellipsoid, ovoid, oval, 

obovate, round or oblong drupe that is 1.25 to 6.25 centimeters (0.5 to 2.5 inches) long. Fruit grows solitary

on the tree. Immature fruit are green. Wild fruit bear cherry-sized fruit ranging in size from 1.25 to 2.5 

centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) long, while improved varieties bear plum-sized fruit growing a size of 6.25 

centimeters (2.5 inches) long and 4.5 centimeters (1.75 inches) wide. The skin is smooth or rough, glossy, 

thin and tough. Pulp is thin, crisp, juicy and whitish in color. When underripe, the flavor is sweet to subacid 

and has a taste similar to crabapple. When mature, fruit becomes mealy. Overripe fruit are wrinkled. Each 

fruit contains a single, hard oval or oblate rough stone which contains 2 elliptic, brown 0.6 centimeter (0.25 

inch) long seeds. Fruit is important in native areas. Improved varieties are taller, contain smaller thorns, and 

possess larger leaves and fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs July to September in Florida and autumn in other areas. In Southeast 

Asia, flowering and shoot growth occur during the wet season. Fruit matures in 108 to 180 days. In

India, some fruits ripen as early as October and others ripen from mid-February or mid-March to the 

end of April. In some areas, there are 2 crops a year, with the main crop occurring in early spring 

and the second during the fall. Seedlings bear fruit in the third or fourth year (PERENNIAL, 

BARWICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Grown in the wet/dry tropical and warm subtropical climates. Requires warm to hot 

tropical climate with low to high rainfall and full sun. Trees are suited to mean annual temperatures 

from 7 to 13 °C (45 to 55 °F) to 37 to 48 °C (99 to 118 °F). Annual rainfall requirements are 12 to 

220 centimeters (5 to 87 inches). Trees grow at altitudes of about 900 to 1,650 meters (2,953 to 

5,413 feet). Commercial cultivation occurs up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Grows in the arid and 

semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia and some of the Caribbean islands. Also found in coastal thickets 

and dry limestone woodlands. Grows best on sandy loam, neutral or slightly alkaline soils. Grows 

well on laterite, medium black soils with good drainage or sandy, gravelly, alluvial soil of dry 

river-beds. Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions including poor soils, salinity, drought and 

flooding. Sensitive to frost. Propagation is by seed, root cuttings, and grafting. To select seeds, the 

stones are taken from the fruits that have fully ripened on the tree. They are put into a 17 to 18% salt 

solution. Stones that sink are dipped in 500 ppm thiourea for 4 hours and then cracked. The seeds 

are planted directly in the field and germinate in 7 days. In Western India, jujubes are budded in 

April or May using scion buds. In other parts of India, budding is done in July or December. Trees 

are planted in a square pattern in the field about 7 meters (23 feet) apart in both directions. Trees 

should be regularly pruned during the summer when trees have shed their leaves and are dormant. 

Fertilization and irrigation increases productivity of the plant. Fruit are harvested when ripe. Green 
Page	

110

fruit do not ripen off the tree. Fruit shipped to market are harvested in the mature green to golden 

yellow stage. Harvesting is accomplished by manually shaking or beating the branches. Fruit are 

stored in net bags at 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F) for 4 to 15 days or at 10 °C (50 °F) for 28 to 42 days. 

Fruit stands handling, shipping, and marketing well (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, 

MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruits are taken to market (JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: In India, almost all fruit is consumed fresh. Fruit may be dried, stewed,

produced into jam, candied, preserved, or powdered for use in beverages or as a condiment. Slightly 

underripe fruit are candied by a process of pricking, immersing in a salt solution gradually raised 

from 2 to 8%, draining, immersing in another solution of 8% salt and 0.2% potassium 

metabisulphite, storing for 1 to 3 months, rinsing and cooking in sugar syrup with citric acid. 

Populations in Southeast Asia eat unripe fruit with salt. Ripe fruits crushed in water form a popular 

cold drink. Ripe fruits are preserved by sun-drying and a powder is prepared for out-of-season 

purposes. Acidic fruit are used for pickling or chutneys. In Africa, dried and fermented pulp is 

pressed into cakes resembling gingerbread. Young leaves are cooked and eaten in Indonesia. Jujube 

liqueur is made and sold as Crema de ponsigue in Venezuela. Seed kernals are consumed during 

times of famine (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: The tree is used in Indian medicine as a blood purifier and digestion aid. Fruits 

are applied on cuts and are employed in pulmonary ailments and fevers. Fruit mixed with salt and 

chili peppers are given to patients with indigestion. Dried ripe fruit is given as a laxative. Seeds are 

used as a sedative and are taken to halt nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. Leaves are applied 

to sores and are helpful in liver troubles, asthma, and fevers. Bark is used to halt diarrhea and 

dysentery and relieve gingivitis and sores. Roots are used to reduce fevers, cleanse the body, kill 

tapeworms, and heal wounds. Root juice is used to alleviate gout and rheumatism. Flower infusions 

serve as an eye lotion (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Ornamental in Hawaii; Southern Florida, Puerto Rico; no yield data is available

(MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Subtropical; cultivated extensively in India and Thailand; also grown in

Southeast Asia, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Caribbean Islands, and Myanmar; widely cultivated, 

naturalized in S. Africa, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Australia, tropical Southern America, Central America, the 

West Indies, and Cape Verde. Approximately 88,000 hectares (217,453 acres) were grown in India in 1995, 

with a production of 0.9 million tonnes (992,080 tons). Irrigated fields in northern India yield a crop of 80 to 

200 kilograms (176 to 441 pounds) of fresh fruit per tree per year. Seedling trees bear 5,000 to 10,000 small 

fruit per year in India. Grafted trees can yield 30,000 fruit. One of the best cultivars in India produces fruit 

that average 66 to the kilogram (30 to the pound), and yields 77 kiograms (175 pounds) annually (GRIN,

JANICK, PERENNIAL, MORTON).

6. Use: Fresh, dried, stewed, candied, preserved; fruit is used in dying silk; the bark yields brown dye;

ornamental; barrier; land stabilizer; wood is used for fuelwood, furniture, line wells, boat ribs, tools, yokes,

gunstocks, sandals, golf clubs, and building construction; invertebrate food (lac/wax insects), medicinal 

purposes, weed; leaves are used for tanning and as fodder; In Ethiopia, fruit are used to stupefy fish (GRIN, 

MARKLE, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp (MARKLE).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None
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10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, PLANTS 

DATABASE, MORTON.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ZIPMA
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112

1. Kaffir-plum [(Kaffir-date (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. Ex C. Krauss

2. An attractive medium to large evergreen tree that grows 6 to 15 meters (20 to 49 feet) high. Native to 

South Africa. Grows in riverine forests. The tree contains a thick crown, branches that curve upward and

drooping leaves. Trees in forests contain buttress roots. The bark is smooth when young and becomes rough 

and dark grey-brown as the tree matures. Pinnate leaves are shiny, stiff, erect, dark green, spirally arranged,

and contain 4 to 8 pairs of sickle-shaped leaflets, plus a terminal leaflet. Leaflets are hairy when young and 

up to 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) long. Leaves are sometimes interspersed with odd red leaves and crowd the 

ends of the branches. Flowers are whitish green to yellowish and are borne near the ends of the branches. 

Male and female flowers are found on separate plants. Small, plum-like oval-shaped fruit turn from green to 

red when mature and grow to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in length. The skin is thin and smooth. Fruit are

slightly sweet to sour in taste. Each fruit contains a single seed (PERENNIAL, PLANTZAFRICA, 

BIODIVERSITY, DESERT-TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs throughout the summer (November to February). Fruits ripen in 

autumn (PLANTZAFRICA).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical and subtropical climates in full sun. Tolerant of dry conditions 

and poor soil. Requires moderate amounts of water, especially during the summer months. Grown 

in frost-free areas. Propagation is by seed and cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for a day 

and then scrubbed with a brush to remove the fleshy part. Seeds are sown in trays filled with river 

sand or potting soil. Germination takes 7 to 11 days (PERENNIAL, PLANTZAFRICA, 

DESERT-TROPICALS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are are valued locally (PLANTZAFRICA).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh and processed into jelly and jams. Fruits are 

used to make rosé wine (PERENNIAL, PLANTZAFRICA).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: The bark is a popular traditional medicine used to treat acne and eczema. 

Powdered burnt bark is used to treat sprains and bone fractures. Root decoctions are taken for 

paralysis (PLANTZAFRICA).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Grown in the US; no yield data is available (PERENNIAL).

5. Other production regions: Mozambique, South Africa; India; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL).

6. Use: Ornamental, fruit; bark is used for dyeing; wood is used as general timber for furniture and beams; 

larvae of the hairtail butterfly (Anthene definite) and the Eggar moth (Lasiocampa kollikerii) feed on the 

leaves of the tree; bushbabies, monkeys, baboons, bushbuck, and many types of birds feed on the fruit

(GRIN, PLANTZAFRICA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (PLANTZAFRICA).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, PLANTZAFRICA, BIODIVERSITY, 

DESERT-TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: No specific entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Kakadu plum 

Combretaceae

Terminalia latipes Benth. subsp. psilocarpa Pedley [(syn: Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell (GRIN))]

2. A slender, small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing up to 30 meters (98 feet) high. Native to 

Australia. Grown throughout the tropical woodlands from Northwestern Ausralia to Eastern Arnhem Land. 

The tree contains creamy-grey flaky bark. Pale green leaves are spirally arranged, crowded towards the ends 

of the branches, very large, oval-shaped and up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) long by 15 centimeters (6 

inches) wide. Flowers are small, creamy-white, scented, and borne along spikes in the leaf axils at the ends 

of the branches. The roundish to oval yellow-green fruit are almond-sized, growing 3 centimeters (1.2 

inches) long and 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth. Fruit are classified as 

pseudo-drupes, contain a short beak at the tip of the fruit, and possess one large seed. Fruits that are 

consumed raw possess a drying-out effect in the mouth. Fruits have been used by the Australian Aborigines

for tens of thousands of years (WIKIPEDIA, NEW CROP, FRUITIPEDIA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from September to December (spring to summer). There is a short 

annual harvest period in the Northern Territory beginning in March (WIKIPEDIA, WILD 

HARVEST).

b. Cultivation: Grown throughout the subtropical woodlands of the Northern Territory and Western 

Australia. Current industry demand is met by bush collectors. Wild-growing trees tend to have 

higher vitamin C content compared to cultivated trees (WIKIPEDIA, NEW CROP, 

FRUITIPEDIA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold as an ingredient for cosmetics and is entering new 

markets as a nutraceutical in food supplements and fortified beverages; also harvested and sold in 

local markets. Fruit are purchased and sold to restaurants, airlines, hotels, juice manufacturers, food 

processors, and pharmaceutical companies (WIKIPEDIA, NEW CROP).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are usually consumed raw; processed into gourmet jams, ice cream,

and sauces; used as a flavoring (WIKIPEDIA, NEW CROP). 

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit may have the highest known vitamin C concentration; fruit contains 

over 5% vitamin C by weight. Fruit also contains high levels of folates and polyphenolic 

antioxidants (WIKIPEDIA, WILD HARVEST).

f. Medicinal aspects: Australian aboriginal people pound the fruit and use it as an antiseptic and 

soothing balm for aching limbs (FRUITIPEDIA).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Australia; no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit; fruit is more commonly sold as an ingredient for cosmetics and entering new markets as a 

nutraceutical in food supplements and fortified beverages; medicinal purposes (GRIN, WIKIPEDIA, 

FRUITIPEDIA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0301) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, WIKIPEDIA, NEW CROP, WILD HARVEST, FRUITIPEDIA.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Kapundung [(menteng (GRIN))]

Phyllanthaceae. Also placed in: Euphorbiaceae

Baccaurea racemosa (Reinw.) Müll. Arg. [(syn: Pierardia racemosa (Reinw.) Blume (GRIN))]

2. A small to medium-sized tree growing 15 to 25 meters (49 to 82 feet) in height. Native to Western 

Malaysia. The tree contains a dense, irregular crown and a trunk that grows 25 to 70 centimeters (10 to 28 

inches) in diameter. The leaves are simple, entire, ovate-oblong to obovate, glandular, and 7 to 18 

centimeters (2.8 to 7.1 inches) long by 3 to 7 centimeters (1.2 to 2.8 inches) wide. The leaf stalk is 0.5 to 4.5 

centimeters (0.2 to 1.8 inches) long. The stipules at the base of the leaves are trianglular in shape. Leaves 

contain alkaloids. Flowering stalks are on the old branches and trunk. Male and female flowers grow 

separately. Male flowering stalks are 5 to 13 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long and contain many 3-flowered 

densely-haired cymes. Each flower is small and contains 4 to 5 sepals and 4 to 8 stamens. Female flowering 

stalks are 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long and contain larger flowers with 5 sepals and no petals. 

Oval-shaped fruits are yellowish-green, turning scarlet when mature. Fruits grow 2 to 2.4 centimeters (0.8 to 

1 inch) in diameter and may be covered with fine silvery hairs. The acidic fruits should be eaten sparingly. 

Consuming too much of the fruit induces vomiting (ROECKLEIN, ECOCROP, FOOD PLANTS, 

JENSEN).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit are harvested August to September in Malaysia (TOP TROPICALS).

b. Cultivation: Thrives in tropical lowland forests at elevations up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). 

Tolerates a wide range of soils including dry sandstone and peat swamps (ECOCROP, JENSEN).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are consumed fresh. Fruit may also be pickled, stewed or 

fermented (JENSEN).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Indonesia, India; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Java, Sumatra, Bali, and 

Peninsular Malaysia; no yield data is available (GRIN, ECOCROP).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, tannin; leaves yield mauve dye; dye is made from bark; fiber for paper 

manufacture; wood is used for house construction and furniture (GRIN, ROECKLEIN, JENSEN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, ROECKLEIN, ECOCROP, FOOD PLANTS, PLANTS 

DATABASE, JENSEN, TOP TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: No entry (PLANTS DATABASE)

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BCCRA
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1. Karanda [(caranda, carandas-plum, cu huang guo, karanda Wachsbaum, Karandang, carandeira, 

(GRIN))]

Apocynaceae

Carissa carandas L. 

2. A woody, climbing, semi-vine shrub growing 3 to 5 meters (10 to 15 feet) high. Native to India. The 

shrub can be found climbing to the tops of tall trees. A white, gummy latex exudes from the plant and fruit. 

The spreading branches form dense masses and contain sharp thorns reaching 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. 

Thorns are simple or forked and occur in pairs in the axils of the leaves. Leaves are dark-green, leathery, 

glossy, evergreen, opposite, oval or elliptic, reaching 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) long. The white to 

pink-tinged flowers are fragrant and tubular with 5 hairy lobes that are twisted to the left in the bud. Flowers 

are borne in terminal clusters of 2 to 12. Fruits are oblong, broad-ovoid or round, 1.25 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 

to 1 inch) long and 2 centimeters (0.75 inch) in diameter; found in clusters of 3 to 10. The smooth, glossy 

skin is thin but tough and turns from a purplish-red to dark-purple or black when ripe. The red or pink juicy 

pulp is very acid, bitter, or fairly sweet; the flesh exudes latex. Inside, 2 to 8 small flat brown seeds can be 

found. Fruits are eaten fresh or cooked; the tree is used as a hedge; many medicinal purposes (MORTON, 

QUISQUALIS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Blooms and fruits off and on throughout the year. Flowers are produced from early 

spring through late fall. Fruits are harvested from mid-May to mid-July. The main ripening season 

is August and September. The calyx remains attached to the plant when the fruit is picked, leaving a 

gummy aperture at the base (MORTON, QUISQUALIS).

b. Cultivation: Grows from sea-level to 600 meters (2,000 feet) in the Philippines and up to an 

altitiude of 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) in the Himalayas. Requires full sun; not suited to humid 

climates. Grows vigorously on sand or limestone; grows wild on poor, rocky, dry soils. Most 

fruitful on deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Propagated by seed, cuttings and air layering. Requires 

pruning to bloom and fruit profusely. Tolerates temperatures to about 4 °C (25 °F); high salt 

tolerance. Fertilize three to four times a year with general purpose fertilizer (MORTON, 

QUISQUALIS). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is marketed in local villages in India, Burma, Malacca, and 

dry areas of Sri Lanka. Freshly-picked ripe fruits can be kept at room temperature only 3 to 4 days 

before they begin to shrivel. Popular in some south Florida tropical fruit collections (MORTON, 

QUISQUALIS).

d. Preparation for cooking: Sweeter varieties are eaten out-of-hand; the more acidic varieties are

stewed with plenty of sugar. Even by doing this, the skin may be found tough and slightly bitter. 

The fruit exudes gummy latex when cooked, but the rich-red juice becomes clear and is used in cold 

beverages. The syrup is used in sodas. Ripe fruits are utilized in curries, tarts, puddings and chutney. 

When slightly underripe, fruits are made into jelly. Green sour fruits are made into pickles in India. 

With the skin and seeds removed, and seasoned with sugar and cloves, fruit are a popular substitute

for apples in tarts (MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Ripe fruit is taken to prevent scurvy (MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: Unripe fruit is used as an astringent; ripe fruit is eaten for its source of vitamins; 

rememdy for gastrointestinal problems; A decoction of the leaves are used to control fevers, diarrhea, 

oral inflammation and earaches. The root is used to aid gastrointestinal issues, lower blood pressure 

and control itching (MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: Cultivated in a limted way in Florida and California and in some experimental 

gardens in Trinidad and Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: China, Taiwan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, India, Thailand, 

Cambodia, South Vietnam, East Africa; Java, Philippines, Burma, Malacca; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

MORTON).
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116

6. Use: Beverage base, fruit, medicinal purposes; agent in tanning and dyeing; leaves have furnished fodder 

for the tussar silkworm; a paste of the pounded roots serve as a fly repellent; wood is used to make tools or 

burned as a fuel (GRIN, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible pee

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0290) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, QUISQUALIS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CISCA7
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117

1. Kwai muk [(bai gui mu (GRIN))]

Moraceae

Artocarpus hypargyreus Hance ex Benth. 

2. A slow-growing, slender, erect evergreen tree that grows 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet) tall. Native to 

China. The tree contains a dense, rounded canopy. Milky latex is contained within the tree. Branchlets, 

young shoots, and petioles are covered with rusty hairs. Bark is dark purple. Leaves are dark green, stiff, 

leathery, glossy, alternate, elliptic, elliptic-ovate, obovate, or obovate-oblong in shape, and grow 7 to 15 

centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long by 4 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide. Leaves are rounded or obtuse at 

the base. Leaf petioles are 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) long. Small, yellowish flowers are borne in 

solitary, axillary, obovoid inflorescences. Flower stalks are 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inch) long. Male 

flower heads are hairy and are on obovoid or club-shaped stiff spikes that are 1.2 to 1.6 centimeters (0.5 to 

0.6 inch) long. Female flowers are smaller and are in dense round heads that measure 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) 

wide. Male and female flowers are located on the same tree. The pale yellow, white, or orange-red fruit is

actually a multiple fruit or syncarp. Fruit are round, oblate, ovate, or oblong-globose and 1.5 to 5 

centimeters (0.6 to 2 inches) in diameter. The skin is thin, tender and contains velvety brown hairs. 

Immature fruits contain latex. Pulp is orange-red to red and the taste is sweet-tart, subacid or acid. Fruit is 

seedless or may contain 1 to 7 small seeds that are 0.8 to 1 centimeter (0.3 to 0.4 inch) in diameter (JANICK, 

HU, HK HERBARIUM, EFLORAS, DALEYSFRUIT, MORTON, CAMPBELL 1984).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs late spring and early summer; in Florida, flowering occurs May to 

July. Fruit ripens from August to October in Florida (HK HERBARIUM, CAMPBELL 1984).

b. Cultivation: Found in lowland evergreen and tropical forests; also grown on hills and low 

mountain ranges at elevations of 100 to 1,700 meters (328 to 5,577 feet). Grows best in full sun. 

Tolerates a variety of well-drained soils including mildly acid sandy soils and limestone soils; also 

tolerates brief flooding. Trees should be irrigated during times of hot weather and little 

precipitation. Fruit are not very cold tolerant. Propagation is by seed. Seed takes several weeks to 

germinate. Plants grow slowly. Fruit is best harvested when it is completely ripe (JANICK, HK 

HERBARIUM, DALEYSFRUIT, MORTON, TRADE WINDS, CAMPBELL 1984).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Gathered locally; farmers in Canton gather fruits and sell them in 

town for extra income (HU).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed raw. Fruit may be preserved in sugar syrup, salt, or 

sundried (HU, DALEYSFRUIT, MORTON, CAMPBELL 1984).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: China, Hong Kong; no yield records are available, but mature trees have the 

capability of producing 2,000 fruit or more per year (GRIN, CAMPBELL 1984).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental; wood is used to make furniture; milky latex is used to make stiff rubber (GRIN, 

HK HERBARIUM, EFLORAS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible pee

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, HU, HK HERBARIUM, EFLORAS, DALEYSFRUIT, 

MORTON, CAMPBELL 1984, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 (MARKLE)
Page	

118

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
Page	

119

1. Lemon aspen 

Rutaceae

Acronychia acidula F. Muell. 

2. An ornamental tree growing up to 15 meters (49 feet) tall and 2 meters (7 feet) wide. Native to Australia. 

This dense tree contains leaves that are dark green and elliptical in shape. Leaves grow up to 25 centimeters 

(10 inches) long and contain oil glands that emit a citrus scent when crushed. Small yellow flowers contain 

petals with claw-like tips. Small yellow fruit is roundish, 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) in diameter

and grows in clusters at the end of branches. Fruit is pale green when immature. The skin is waxy and 

contains small ridges. Like the leaves, the fruit emits a spicy citrus odor. The flavor is strong, acidic, and 

lemony. Each fruit contains an apple-like core that consists of small dark seeds encased in husks. Bush food 

plant (CSIRO, ANPSA, RIRDC and CSIRO, GOEBEL).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from summer to early autumn (ANPSA).

b. Cultivation: Grown in highland rainforests from Central to North Queensland, tropical and 

tableland forests of Northern Queensland and coastal regions from Victoria, New South Wales 

through to Queensland. Requires a sunny, sheltered position, moist well-drained rich soil, and

natural rainfall greater than 60 centimeters (24 inches). Propagation is by seed and cuttings. Seed 

germinates well and does not require any treatments. Most fruit is harvested from the wild. Small 

scale production takes place in Northern New South Wales and along Queensland coasts. Fruit 

should be harvested when pale yellow and placed directly into a refrigerator. Fruit should be frozen 

within 12 to 24 hours of harvest and can be stored at -20 °C (-4 °F) for up to 24 months (CSIRO,

ANPSA, RIRDC and CSIRO).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit products including sauces, chutneys, relishes, and aspen 

flavored mineral water is available in retail markets and the Internet. Fruit are traded whole, frozen 

or as juice (CSIRO, RIRDC and CSIRO).

d. Preparation for cooking: The fruit provides a citrus-like flavor in sweet and savory products; used 

in recipes where lemon flavor is required, especially seafood and chicken dishes. Fruit is also 

processed into sauces, wines, jams, chutneys, relishes, cordials, conserves, ice cream, puree, pastes, 

glacé, biscuits, cakes and flavored mineral water (CSIRO, ANPSA, RIRDC and CSIRO, GOEBEL).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data.

5. Other production regions: Australia; approximately 6 to 12 tonnes (7 to 13 tons) per year was traded in 

2001; approximately 100 hectares (247 acres) of the fruit is grown in Australia (CSIRO, GOEBEL).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental (CSIRO, ANPSA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (CSIRO, ANPSA).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: BAYER, CSIRO, CODEX, ANPSA, RIRDC and CSIRO, GOEBEL.

11. Production Map: No specific entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No entry
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1. Mangaba [(mangabeira (GRIN))]

Apocynaceae

Hancornia speciosa Gomes

2. An evergreen shrub or tree growing 2 to 15 meters (7 to 49 feet) tall. The diameter of the canopy is 4 to 5 

meters (13 to 16 feet). Native to the Amazon and Northeast region of Brazil. Grows in dry, arid climates. 

Latex is produced in the stems and leaves and is poisonous. This tree has a semi-deciduous life cycle. The 

species is threatened by deforestation. Bark is reddish and wrinkled. Branches occur as whorls on the main 

stem. Leaves are simple and leathery. The inflorescence contains one to seven white, double flowers that 

are approximately 6 centimeters (2 inches) long, and contain both male and female reproductive organs. 

Inflorescences are borne terminally on the latest growth. Bees and other insects are the main pollinators. 

Yellow to red fruit is an ellipsoidal or round berry growing 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) in diameter. 

The skin of the fruit is smooth and usually contains red grooves. Pulp is soft, fibrous and white. The flavor 

is both sweet and acidic. Each fruit contains 2 to 30 seeds. Each seed is disc-shaped, wrinkled, clear 

chestnut brown and 0.7 to 0.8 centimeters (0.28 to 0.31 inches) in diameter (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Approximately 80% of fruit production takes place during the first half of the year; 55% 

of production occurs between January and March. Lower production occurs from August to 

November. The flowering period is 90 to 120 days. Fruit ripens in 112 days. Fruit production takes 

place 5 to 6 years after planting (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires a hot, dry tropical climate and well-drained sandy acidic soils that are poor 

in nutrients and organic matter. For best fruit production, the tree requires an annual mean 

temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) and annual rainfall of 75 to 150 centimeters (30 to 59 inches). Grows 

during the hottest periods. The tree tolerates drought, deep, well-drained and sandy-loamy soil. 

Propagation is by seed and grafting. Seed should be obtained from ripe fruit, washed, dried under 

shade for 24 hours, and sown within 4 days. Trees should be pruned to remove dead and diseased 

branches. Currently, fruit are collected from the wild and not cultivated. Fruit is highly perishable 

and should be harvested at the half-ripe stage when green. Fruit should be packed into plastic boxes 

directly after harvest and shipped (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is industrialized in the form of frozen pulp for use as juice 

and ice cream; fresh fruit are shipped in plastic boxes immediately after harvest and have a shelf life 

of 3 to 4 days. If stored at 6 to 9 °C (43 to 48 °F) in polyethylene films, postharvest life is 7 to 10 

days (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; processed into juice, compotes, jelly, vinegar, 

sherbets, ice cream, preserves, and wine (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp is a good source of iron and vitamin C (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The latex from the plant is used as a popular medicine for treatment of ulcers 

and tuberculosis (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: South America including Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, 

Peru and Paraguay; Brazilian annual fruit production was approximately 1,500 tonnes (1,653 tons) in 2002

(GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, latex/rubber (GRIN). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK.
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11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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122

1. Marian plum [(kundang, ma prang, gandaria (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Bouea macrophylla Griff. [(syn: Bouea gandaria Blume ex Miq. (GRIN))]

2. An evergreen tree growing 9 to 27 meters (30 to 89 feet) tall. Native to Southeast Asia. Bark is light 

brown and fissured and the trunk is short. The tree contains resinous sap. Branchlets are smooth, hanging 

and angular or flattened. Shiny, leathery, downward-pointing leaves are simple, entire, opposite, resinous,

ovate-oblong, lance-shaped or elliptic, and 10 to 45 centimeters (4 to 18 inches) long by 5 to 13 centimeters

(2 to 5 inches) wide. The base of the leaf is acute or wedge-shaped. The leafstalk is 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 

to 1 inch) long. Young leaves are purple-red in color and silky. Inflorescences are hanging panicles that are 

4 to 12.5 centimeters (1.6 to 5 inches) long. Small greenish or yellowish flowers contain oblong to obovate 

petals that are 0.15 to 0.25 centimeter (0.06 to 0.1 inch) long by 0.1 centimeter (0.04 inch) wide. Yellow to 

yellow-orange fruit are oval, round, or oblong-ovoid in shape, mango-like, borne in small clusters, 2.5 to 5.0 

centimeters (1 to 2 inches) in diameter, and 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6 to 3 inches) long. Immature fruit are pale 

green. The skin is thin, smooth, brittle and edible. Pulp is yellow to orange in color and juicy; the flavor is 

sweet to sour. Fruit emit a turpentine odor. Each fruit contains one leathery, whiskered stone. The tree is 

divided into three groups in Thailand: Sour ma-praang, sweet ma-praang, and ma-yong. Sour fruits grow 

wild in the forests and are sometimes consumed. Sweet fruits are cultivated. Ma-yong fruits are cultivated 

but are slightly sour (AGROFORESTRY, PERENNIAL, FAO, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Thailand, flowering occurs from November to December and in Indonesia, flowering 

occurs from June to November. Fruiting takes place from April to May in Thailand and from March 

to June in Indonesia. Fruit matures in approximately 180 days. Trees produce fruit from grafts in 2 

to 5 years and from seedlings in 6 to 8 years (PERENNIAL, FAO).

b. Cultivation: Grows in hot tropical lowland forests in monsoon climate. Thrives in humid 

conditions in light, fertile soil at elevations of 300 to 850 meters (984 to 2,789 feet). Propagation is 

by seed, marcotting, inarching, stem cutting and grafting. Seedlings and cuttings are planted 10 to 

12 meters apart in shade and fertilized regularly (AGROFORESTRY, PERENNIAL, FAO).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is becoming popular among local consumers and is sold in

markets. The leaves are also sold in local markets and the fruit may soon be exported (FAO, 

MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; processed into jams and chutney or cooked in 

syrup. Salt or sugar is added to sour fruit. Immature fruit is pickled in brine, added to curries and 

used as an ingredient in a chili-based condiment called ‘sambal’. The purple cotyledons of the plant 

are used as an ingredient in pickles. Locals consume the young leaves as a vegetable and mix them 

with chili or shrimp pastes or rice (AGROFORESTRY, PERENNIAL, FAO, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit contains a good source of vitamins A and C (PERENNIAL).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia; cultivated widely in Thailand and 

Sumatra. A mature tree produces approximately 200 kilograms (441 pounds) of fruit in one season. In 

Thailand, approximately 1,170 hectares (2,891 acres) of fruit was recorded in 1993. Total production in 

1993 was 5,652 tonnes (6,230 tons). The average productivity of the fruit in Thailand was 7 tonnes (8 tons) 

per hectare (GRIN, PERENNIAL, FAO, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Fruit, home garden tree (GRIN, FAO).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel
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d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, AGROFORESTRY, PERENNIAL, FAO, MORTON.

11. Production Map: None

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BUWGA
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1. Mombin, Malayan [(Mangopflaume (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Spondias pinnata (J. Koenig ex L. f.) Kurz [(syn: Mangifera pinnata J. Koenig ex L. f. (basionym), 

Spondias mangifera Willd. (GRIN))]

2. A medium deciduous tree growing 8 to 20 meters (26 to 66 feet) tall. Native to tropical Asia. The tree 

contains a straight trunk and branchlets that are yellowish brown. Bark is smooth, pale grey and contains 

rounded knobs. Leaves are stalked, alternate, odd-pinnate and 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) long. 

The petiole is 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) long. Each leaf contains 5 to 11 shiny, short-stalked, entire,

opposite, elliptic-oblong to ovate-oblong leaflets that range in size from 7.5 to 17 centimeters (3 to 7 inches)

long by 3.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1.4 to 3 inches) wide. Leaflet petioles are 0.3 to 0.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 

inches) long. Greenish-white flowers are contained in spreading terminal panicles that are 25 to 35 

centimeters (10 to 14 inches) long. Inflorescences are located in the leaf axils. Petals are ovate-oblong and 

0.25 by 0.15 centimeters (0.1 to 0.06 inches) long. Small, greenish-yellow to yellowish-orange fruit is an 

oblong to ellipsoid drupe that ranges in size from 3.5 to 5 centimeters (1.4 to 2 inches) long by 2.5 to 3.5 

centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) wide and 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) in diameter. The skin is smooth. Each 

fruit contains one large stone with 1 to 5 seeds. Fruit flavor is strong and sour (MANANDHAR, 

PERENNIAL, EFLORAS, BIOTIK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs March to April. Fruiting occurs June to September (MANANDHAR).

b. Cultivation: Grown on open hillsides at elevations of 300 to 1,400 meters (984 to 4,593 feet) and 

hot tropical lowlands. Propagation is by seeds and cuttings (MANANDHAR, PERENNIAL).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh or pickled; also used as a flavoring in cooked 

foods. Young leaves, flowers and fruit are edible (MANANDHAR, PERENNIAL).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Juice of the bark is used to treat dysentery and rheumatism (MANANDHAR)

g. Crop photos:

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: China, Hong Kong, Nepal, Tropical Asia, Indian subcontinent, Indo-China, 

India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Bhutan, Laos, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, 

Philippines; no yield data is available (GRIN, MANANDHAR).

6. Use: Fruit, medicinal purposes; wood is used to make furniture (GRIN, MANANDHAR).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MANANDHAR, PERENNIAL, EFLORAS, BIOTIK.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SPXPI
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1. Mombin, purple [(purple mombin, hog-plum, jocote, ovo, red mombin, Spanish-plum, mombin rouge, 

prune d’Espagne, rote Mombinpflaume, imbu, imbuzeiro, cirigüela, ciruela, serigüela, ciruela española, 

ciruelo (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Spondias purpurea L. [(syn: Spondias cirouella Tussac (GRIN))]

2. A small deciduous tree growing 3 to 15 meters (10 to 49 feet) tall. Native to Southern Mexico and Central 

America. The most cultivated species in the genus Spondias. The plant grows as a shrub or low-branched 

small tree in lowlands or a spreading, thick-trunked tree in highlands. Bark is grey and smooth and branches 

are thick and brittle. Leaves are pinnate, alternate, 6 to 28 centimeters (2.4 to 11 inches) long, and contain a 

15 to 20 centimeter (6 to 8 inch) rachis. Each leaf contains 5 to 12 pairs of leaflets. Elliptic, obovate, 

lanceolate or oblanceolate leaflets are 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) long by 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 

to 1 inch) wide. Young leaves are bright-red or purple. Leaves usually drop during flowering. Lateral

inflorescences are produced in the primary branches and measure 1 to 10 centimeters (0.4 to 4 inches) long. 

Each inflorescence contains a few small red to purple, 4 to 5 petalled, 0.25 to 0.35 centimeter (0.1 to 0.14 

inch) long flowers. Flowers are borne in short, hairy panicles and can be male, female, or bisexual. Red, 

yellowish, purple or orange fruit is an oblong, oval, pear-shaped, obovoid or subglobose drupe that grows

solitary or or in groups of 2 to 6. Fruit is 1.5 to 5 centimeters (0.6 to 2 inches) long by 1 to 3.5 centimeters

(0.4 to 1.4 inches) wide and contains small indentations and a knob at the apex. The skin is thin, smooth,

glossy and firm. Yellow pulp is fleshy and juicy; the flavor is sweet and plum-like in flavor. Each fruit 

contains a large pit that is 1.25 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 0.75 inches) long with 1 to 5 seeds. Fruit are borne

without fertilization. The two main groups of red mombins are dry-season and wet-season. Dry-season fruit 

are smaller (2.7 to 3.9 centimeters (1.1 to 1.5 inches) long by 1.9 to 3 centimeters (0.7 to 1.2 inches) wide),

ellipsoidal, smooth, red-purple, sweet, less acidic than the wet-season type, grown 0 to 800 meters (0 to 

2,625 feet), and are produced at the end of the dry season. The wet-season fruit are large (3.1 to 4.5 

centimeters (1.2 to 1.8 inches) long by 2.4 to 3.5 centimeters (0.9 to 1.4 inches) wide), yellow or red, smooth 

or bumpy, slightly acidic, grown at elevations of 800 to 2,000 meters (2,625 to 6,562 feet), and are produced 

during the last part of the rainy season. The sweet-smelling fruit has been valued by people of the tropics for

many years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting time varies according to climate, but mainly occurs during the dry 

season. In areas with regular precipitation, flowering occurs year round. Flowering occurs from 

March to April in Florida. Red cultivars flower and fruit year round in Jamaica and the largest crop 

occurs in July and August. Yellow cultivars fruit from September to November. In the Bahamas, 

fruiting of the red variety occurs from May to June and ripening of the yellow fruit occurs from 

August to early October. Dry-season fruit are produced at the end of the dry season in February to 

May. Wet-season fruit are produced during the last part of the rainy season in September to 

December. Fruit matures in approximately 120 days. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years from 

seed and 2 to 3 years from cuttings (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Grown in hot, wet or dry tropical lowlands, highlands and semi-deciduous forests.

Cultivated from 0 to 2,000 meters (0 to 6,562 feet). Requires average annual precipitation of 30 to 

180 centimeters (12 to 71 inches). Tolerant of a variety of soils including rocky substrates, slopes, 

sand, gravel, heavy clay loam or limestone. Not tolerant of frost. Propagation is by seed and 

cuttings. Because seeds are not always viable, cuttings are more highly favored. Cuttings should be 

obtained after harvest when the leaves have shed and flowering has started. Cuttings are placed in 

the shade for a week and later planted 3 to 7 meters (10 to 23 feet) apart at a depth of 30 to 40 

centimeters (12 to 16 inches). Cuttings should be irrigated after transplanting. The fruit is widely 

cultivated throughout the neotropics from Central Mexico and the West Indies to Peru and Brazil. 

Trees should be pruned to 2 meters (7 feet) tall. Fruit are harvested by shaking the branches with 

poles and gathering the fruit from the ground. The skin of the fruit is easily damaged. Fruit can be 

stored at 15 °C (59 °F) for a maximum of 10 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Both ripe and green fruit are sold in local markets and along 
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streets. Ripe fruit are popular in the Indian markets of Meixo and Guatemala; in Ecuador, fruit is 

commercialized and found in supermarkets of big cities. Fruit is sold by size and ripening stage 

(JANICK, NAGY). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is mainly consumed fresh; processed into marmalade, beverages, 

juice, wine, vinegar and liquor. Pulp is used to flavor ice cream. In Mexico, ripe fruit are boiled 

with or without salt and eaten dried. In Florida, dried slices of ripe fruit have been commercially 

produced. Fruit are sometimes harvested while green and are eaten with salt and chili peppers, 

blended into a sauce, or pickled in vinegar. Ripe fruit are cooked with brown sugar, stored in glass 

jars and sold in stores. In other areas, fruit are stewed whole with sugar and consumed as dessert. In

Mexico, “atole”, a watery porridge, is made from corn flour, sugar, fruit pulp and other ingredients. 

New shoots and leaves are eaten raw or cooked as greens in northern Central America

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit have a high concentration of total carbohydrates, a moderate source of 

potassium and starch, and a good source of vitamin C (JANICK). 

f. Medicinal aspects: In Mexico, fruits are used as a diuretic and antispasmodic. A decoction of the 

fruit is placed on wounds and sores. Syrup prepared from the fruit is used to cure diarrhea. A 

decoction of the bark is used to aid mange, ulcers, dysentery, and bloating. Sap from the bark is used 

to treat inflammations in infants. The juice of the leaves is used to cure thrush. A decoction of the 

leaves and bark is used as a fever reducer. In Nigeria, an infusion of the leaves is used to wash cuts 

and burns (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (JANICK) and Puerto Rice (PLANTS 

DATABASE).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, the West Indies including the Antilles, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela,

Central America, Ecuador, Nigeria; widely naturalized in the tropics; in Ecuador, yields of more than 4,500 

tonnes (4,960 tons) per year were reported within the period 1987 and 1990-1992; in an Ecuadorean Andean 

dry area, the average yield was 2,250 to 5,000 kilograms (4,960 to 11,023 pounds) per hectare from dry 

season varieties (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit; the tree is planted as a living fence; gum from the tree is used as a glue in Central America; 

wood is used for paper pulp in Brazil; ashes from wood are used to make soap; leaves and fruits serve as 

forage; lac insects are raised on the red mombin in Mexico; medicinal purposes (GRIN, JANICK, 

MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE JANICK, NAGY, 

MORTON.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SPXPU
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1. Mombin, yellow [(hog plum, yellow mombin, Jamaica-plum, jobo, mombin, prunier mombin, gelbe 

Mombinpflaume, Gelbpflaume, imbu, tepereba, cajá-mirim, taperebá, ubos (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Spondias mombin L. [(syn: Spondias lutea L. (GRIN))]

2. An erect medium-sized tree growing 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet) in height. Native to moist lowland 

forests from Southern Mexico to Peru and Brazil. Spondias mobin is the most economically significant 

species of Spondias that occurs in Brazil. The tree is composed of a wide canopy and a buttressed trunk with

thick, rough, fissured and corky bark. The bark of young trees contains many blunt-pointed spines or knobs 

that are up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) long. The trunk is 60 to 75 centimeters (2 to 2.5 feet) in diameter. 

Lower branches are whorled. Leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate, pinnate, odd-pinnate or bipinnate,

borne near the end of branches and 20 to 45 centimeters (8 to 18 inches) long. The petioles are hairy and 

pinkish in color. Each leaf contains 6 to 19 sub-opposite, ovate or lanceolate pointed leaflets with smooth

margins. Leaflets measure 4 to 20 centimeters (1.6 to 8 inches) long. Leaves have a turpentine odor when 

crushed. Flowers are borne after new leaves in terminal racemes or terminal pyramidal panicles that are 20 

to 60 centimeters (8 to 24 inches) long. Fragrant whitish flowers can contain male, female or both 

reproductive organs. Flowers contain a 0.5 centimeter (0.2 inch) wide calyx, a 0.1 to 0.4 centimeter (0.04 to 

0.2 inch) long receptacle, five sepals, five petals and ten stamens. There are up to 2,000 flowers per panicle. 

Yellow fruit is a plum-like drupe that grows solitary or in branched terminal clusters of 12 or more. 

Ellipsoid, ovoid, obovoid or oblong fruit reach 2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.6 inches) long and up to 2.5 

centimeters (1 inch) wide. The skin is thin, smooth and tough. The fruit pulp is yellow, translucent, juicy 

and sweet-sour. Each fruit contains a stone with zero to five seeds (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, NAGY, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: New vegetative growh occurs following rain. Flowers emerge after leaves. Flowering 

occurs from March to April in Florida, November to December and March in Costa Rica and April 

to June in Jamaica. In areas northeast of Brazil, flowering occurs during the dry season in August 

and September. In many areas, fruit ripen during the rainy season in January and February. Fruit 

ripen in August and December to January in Costa Rica, July and August in Jamaica, July to October

in Mexico, and August to November in Florida. Fruit matures in 3 to 4 months. Fruit production 

occurs in 4 to 6 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from cuttings (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Native to hot tropical lowlands with high rainfall or a dry season. Tolerant of soils 

including oxisols, ultisols, and inceptisols, soils with a low nutrient content, and soils with a pH of 

5.0 to above 7.0. Plants adapt to humid areas, arid areas and warm subtropical areas with no frost. 

Trees do not tolerate elevations above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Trees grow isolated or in groups in

moist tropical forests of the Amazon or the Atlantic Forest, grasslands, pastures, and backyards. 

Grows well in areas with average annual rainfall from 100 to 200 centimeters (39 to 79 inches), a dry 

season of up to 5 months and full sun. In the humid zones of northeast Atlantic states, the tree grows

along the coast and lowlands. Propagation is by seed, grafting, air layering, in vitro, or large cuttings. 

Germination of seed is slow and low. To increase germination, physical and chemical scarification 

is utilized. Plants produced from seed have highly variable characteristics. Due to limited cultivars 

and the height of the tree, there is little commercial production. Most fruit is collected from wild 

plants. Fruit should be harvested after the start of chlorophyll breakdown when the fruit turns 

yellow. Fruit are shipped in 20 kilogram (44 pound) containers to stores. Storage life at 23 to 25 °C

(73 to 77 °F) is 4 days for light-green fruit and less than 2 days for ripe fruit. When stored in a 

refrigerator at 9 to 10 °C (48 to 50 °F), storage life is 10 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local markets and markets in other parts of the 

country. Frozen fruit pulp is sold commercially to restaurants, hotels and snack bars to make juice, 

ice cream and jam. It is one of the most prized pulps in Brazilian markets and the price remains high 

all year (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: In Brazil, fruit is consumed fresh. Children and travelers enjoy fruit the 
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most as a thrist-quencher. Fruit are also used in jellies and sherbets. Pulp is frozen. In other 

countries, fruit is stewed with sugar and made into jam and preserves. Fruit is made into wine, 

liqueurs and other refreshing beverages. Green fruit is pickled in vinegar and consumed with salt 

and chili. Young leaves are cooked and consumed as a vegetable (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit has a good supply of ascorbic acid (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: A decoction of the bark is used as a treatment for diarrhea, dysentery, and

hemorrhoids. Powdered bark and dried leaves are applied to wounds. Flowers and leaves are made 

into a tea to relieve gastrointestinal issues and eye and throat inflammation. Tannins from leaves 

and branches have antiviral activity against Herpes Simplex Type 1 and Coxsackie B2. Leaf 

extracts contain antibacterial properties; extracts aid in the treatment of nervous diseases and 

malaria. Fruit juice serves as a diuretic and fever reducer (JANICK, NAGY, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (MORTON) and Puerto Rice (PLANTS 

DATABASE).

5. Other production regions: Tropical America, Tropical regions of Africa and Asia, Oceania, Mexico, 

Central America, Northern South America, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, the Guianas,

Western South America, Paraguay, Bermuda, India, Indonesia, the West Indies; widely cultivated in the 

paleotropics; adult trees produce over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of fruit per year in Mexico (GRIN, 

JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit, medicinal purposes; wood is used in carpentry, matchsticks, tools, pencils, packing cases, fuel, 

carving, and as a substitute for cork; tannin in the bark is used for tanning and dyeing; gum from the tree is 

used as glue; young leaves are cooked and consumed; trees are used as a living fence; fruit are used as fodder 

for cattle and pigs; roots contain an emergency supply of water (GRIN, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0299) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, PLANTS DATABASE, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, NAGY, MORTON.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SPXMO
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1. Monkeyfruit [(monkey-jack, monkey-jack-tree, lakoocha, lakuch (GRIN))]

Moraceae

Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham. [(syn: Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (GRIN))]

2. A medium to large deciduous tree with a spreading crown growing 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) tall. 

Native to the humid sub-Himalayan regions of India. Bark is grey and exudes a milky, sticky latex. Leaves 

are large, alternate, leathery, elliptical, pointed, and 10 to 25 centimeters (4 to 10 inches) long. Leaves fall at 

the beginning of the dry season. Fragrant flowers occur in spherical heads. Male flowers are yellow-orange 

and female flowers are reddish in color. Male and female flowers occur on separate heads on the same tree. 

Fruit is an irregularly rounded syncarp that measures 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) in diameter and 

weighs 200 to 350 grams (7 to 12 ounces) when ripe. Fruit turn from green to yellow with a pink tinge to 

brown when ripe. The skin is velvety. Each fruit contains 10 to 30 seeds. Each seed is 1 centimeter (0.4 inch)

long, flattened and pointed. Fruit have a sweet-sour flavor (JANICK, JOSHEE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Trees flower in April at the end of the dry season in Nepal, and in India, flowering occurs 

from January to February and again from October to November. Ripened fruits are collected from 

the end of June to early August in Nepal and fruit mature 4 months later in India (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: The tree is found growing along stream banks in protected lowland areas and in the 

humid sub-Himalayan regions of India. It prefers deep, moist, permeable soils. Does not tolerate 

poor soils and waterlogging. Young trees tolerate moderate shade, but mature trees grow in full 

light. Tolerates a three month dry season, an annual rainfall of 70 to 200 centimeters (28 to 79 

inches), an altitiude of 150 to 1,600 meters (492 to 5,249 feet), and a mean annual temperature of 17 

to 24 °C (63 to 75 °F). Young seedlings do not tolerate frost. The tree is propagated by seeds, 

cuttings, or stumps. Seeds should be planted during the monsoon season. Germination is quick. 

Seedlings require shade and irrigation for the first 2 to 3 weeks and should remain in the nursery 

until the next monsoon season. Root cuttings should be 5 centimeters (2 inches) long and stem

cuttings should be 20 centimeters (8 inches) long (JANICK, JOSHEE). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit and male flowers are consumed raw, boiled, steamed or roasted. 

Fruits and flowers are made into pickles and chutney. Mature fruit are dried and used as a substitute 

for sour tamarind and mango fruit (JANICK, JOSHEE).

e. Nutritional aspects: Bark contains tannin (JOSHEE).

f. Medicinal aspects: The root is an astringent and is used as a purgative. It is applied to skin 

ailments. Bark is used to treat headaches. Both bark and fruit are used to treat liver problems. Bark 

is consumed to enrich the blood after recovering from exhaustive diseases. In India, a health drink 

prepared from mature fruit, black pepper, cumin and sugar is given to women during pregnancy as a 

digestive and appetizer. Seeds and latex are used as a purgative (JANICK, JOSHEE).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: China, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam;

fruit yield can be up to 80 kilograms (176 pounds) per tree and fruit can weigh from 200 to 350 grams (7 to 

12 ounces) (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental; erosion prevention along streams and ravines; medicinal purposes; flowers are 

edible; leaves are used as fodder; wood is termite resistant and is comparable to teak wood; used in house 

and heavy construction, boat making, cabinet work and furniture; wood and roots yield dye; bark is chewed; 

bark yields a durable fiber for cordage (GRIN, JANICK, JOSHEE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, JOSHEE.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ABFLA for the synonym Artocarpus lakoocha
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1. Monos plum 

Myrtaceae

Pseudanamomis umbellulifera (Kunth) Kausel [(syn: Myrtus umbellulifera Kunth (basionym) 

(GRIN))]

2. A medium-sized evergreen shrub growing to a height of 5 meters (16 feet). Native to Venezuela. Orange

to yellow fruit is ellipsoid and 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) in diameter. The skin is smooth and 

shiny. The pulp is yellow-orange in color and the flavor is sweet to bland. Each fruit contains one seed

(PERENNIAL, CRFG, TOP TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: There are usually two crops of fruit per year in Florida. Fruit production occurs 3 to 5 

years from seed (PERENNIAL).

b. Cultivation: Grown in hot tropical lowlands with medium to high rainfall. Tolerant of a variety of 

soil conditions and light frost. Grows well in beach sand. Propagation is by seed (PERENNIAL, 

CRFG).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; processed into jellies (PERENNIAL, CRFG).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Cultivated and naturalized in Puerto Rico, Florida; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL).

5. Other production regions: Hispaniola (Caribbean), Venezuela; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental (GRIN, CRFG).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, CRFG, PLANTS DATABASE, TOP 

TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PDMUM
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1. Mountain cherry [(ciruela de fraile (GRIN))]

Malpighiaceae

Bunchosia cornifolia Kunth 

2. An evergreen understory shrub or tree growing a height of 6 to 15 meters (20 to 49 feet). The tree contains

a thin, straight trunk with dark, vertical creases that grows less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter.

Bark is thin, pale tan, whitish or grey in color, smooth, and easily scraped off. Branches are iron-colored, 

thin, long, smooth, and bend downward. Leaves are bright green, mostly smooth on the upper surface and 

hairy underneath, glossy, simple, opposite, curled, elliptic, oblong-elliptic, lance-oblong, or elliptic-ovate in 

shape, and 6 to 15 centimeters (2.4 to 6 inches) long by 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) wide. 

Sometimes, leaves may reach 35 centimeters (14 inches) in length and 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in width. 

Petioles are 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long. Inflorescences are axillary racemes that are 3 to 12 centimeters (1.2 

to 4.7 inches) long. There are 8 to 16 flowers in each inflorescence. Bright yellow flowers contain five 

green sepals, five narrow separated petals, and a cluster of stamens. Each flower is 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 

to 0.6 inch) in diameter. Pollinated by bees and insects. Fruit are ovoid drupes that change color from 

orange to bright red when mature and grow 1.5 to 3 centimeters (0.6 to 1.2 inches) long by 1.5 centimeters 

(0.6 inch) in diameter. Each fruit possesses a longitudinal crease. Two to three green-brown almond-shaped 

seeds are located inside the fruit. The skin is very thin and smooth. The pulp is mealy in texture and the

flavor is sweet (CROAT, CDS, ARTAUD).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The tree can flower from December to July, but mostly flowers from April to July. In 

some areas, flowering occurs March to October, with a peak in May. Fruits mature from June to 

January (CROAT, CDS).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical moist to wet forests. Favors areas in the forests and areas along 

beaches that are penetrated by sunlight. Trees colonize disturbed areas. Tolerant of environments 

containing salt. Seeds germinate rapidly, within 2 to 3 weeks (CROAT, CDS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh (CDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama; no yield data is 

available (GRIN, CROAT, CDS).

6. Use: Fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, CROAT, CDS, ARTAUD.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Nance [(murici, craboo, golden-spoon, nance, maurissi, indano, nancé, peraleja, yoco (GRIN))]

Malpighiaceae

Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth [(syn: Malpighia crassifolia L. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A low-branched, slow-growing tree or shrub reaching a height of 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet). Native to 

the Caribbean and Central America. The nance has one of the widest native ranges of all fruits in tropical 

America. The canopy is round-topped and spreading to narrow and compact. The trunk may be short or tall 

and crooked or straight. Young branches contain russet hairs. Leaves are opposte, leathery, smooth on the 

upper surface, hairy on the underside, ovate, elliptic or oblong-elliptic, and 3 to 17 centimeters (1.2 to 7

inches) long by 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6 to 2.8 inches) wide. Leaf margins are revolute. Compact terminal

erect racemes are hairy and 8 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) long by 1.25 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 0.75 inch) 

wide. Flowers are showy, yellow, orange or yellow-red and symmetrical. Petals are 0.5 centimeters (0.2 

inch) long. Fruit is a round to ovoid drupe that is 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) in diameter. The skin is 

thin, shiny and smooth. When mature, the fruit emits a strong odor resembling fruity, rancid cheese. Fruit 

pulp is yellow to white, juicy, oily and delicate; flavor ranges from bland, sweet, sour or cheese-like. Each 

fruit contains one woody, yellow stone with one to three white seeds (JANICK, PERENNIAL, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs over a long period of time. The tree flowers form November to July in 

Mexico and in Puerto Rico the tree blooms and fruits continuously from spring to fall. Fruit are 

marketed from June to October in Mexico and December to April in Brazil. Fruit takes 130 to 135 

days to reach maturity. Trees produce fruit in three to four years from seed (JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Trees are adapted to a wide range of climates and environments including the coastal 

Caribbean, semi-desert regions of northeastern Brazil, humid tropical lowlands, the middle 

elevations of Mexico, Central and South America, subtropical and tropical deciduous forests, open 

pine forests, and grassy savannah ecosystems. Trees are used in restoring infertile and burned-over 

land. Trees require 80 to 150 centimeters (31 to 59 inches) of rainfall per year, temperatures of 22 to 

28 °C (72 to 82 °F) and an elevation of 0 to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet). Most trees are found at 

elevations below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Tolerant of drought, fire, high temperatures and a 

variety of soils including rocky, sandy, and alkaline soils, soils with moderate permeability and soils 

with good drainage and high fertility. Does not tolerate frost. Propagated by seeds and grafting. 

Seeds germinate in 20 to 45 days in well-drained potting soil. Due to variations in tree 

characteristics when grown from seed, grafting is done more frequently. Young trees should be 

shaded. Pruning and fertilizer aid fruit production. On rich soil, trees should be spaced 7 by 7 

meters (23 by 23 feet). In less fertile soil, trees should be spaced 4 by 4 meters (13 by 13 feet). The 

trees are left alone when forests are cleared and are maintained in a state of semi-wild cultivation; 

grown as part of a subsistence farming system. Fruit are harvested by local residents and are either 

consumed or sold to local markets. Fruit are harvested when fully mature; fruit are very perishable,

but can be stored for 7 months if submerged in water (JANICK, PERENNIAL, MORTON).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets and along roadsides. In some local 

markets, fruit are sold packed in water in glass jars (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are consumed fresh; may also be persevered in vinegars, prepared 

in fresh and fermented drinks including chicha and crema de nance, and used in candies and ice

creams. Cooked fruit are added to chicken, stews, stuffing, soups and tamales (JANICK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

e. Nutritional aspects: The seed is high in oil and protein. The fruit is a good source of ascorbic acid 

(JANICK).
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f. Medicinal aspects: The Mixe Indians of Oaxaca, the Zoques, Tzeltzal people of Chiapas, Mexico 

and the Maya healers in Guatemala have used the tree for medicinal purposes since pre-Hispanic 

times. Bark has been used to treat snakebites, diarrhea, respiratory problems, wounds, mouth 

problems, and fevers. Aerial parts of the tree are used to reduce fevers and treat diarrhea and skin 

rashes. Fruit is used to treat fevers. Bark and branches are used as a fish poision. Seed is used to 

treat dysentery (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America including Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica,

Caribbean (Barbados, Cuba), tropical South America including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay. Trees 

produce yields of 3 to 5 tonnes (3.3 to 5.5 tons) per hectare of fruit in Mexico and 4 to 6 tonnes (4.4 to 6.6 

tons) per hectare of fruit in Brazil (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, potential as beverage base; wood is used for firewood, charcoal, furniture, tool

handles and building construction; bark and green fruit is used in tanning and dyeing; strong fiber is obtained 

from the bark; branches are used to catch fish (GRIN, JANICK, PERENNIAL).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BYSCR
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402

1. Natal plum [(amatungulu, carisse, Natal-Pflaume, amatúngula, cereza de Natal (GRIN))]

Apocynaceae

Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC. [(syn: Arduina grandiflora E. Mey., Arduina macrocarpa Eckl. 

(basionym), Carissa grandiflora (E. Mey.) A. DC. (GRIN))]

2. A vigorous, dense, thorny, spreading woody shrub that grows to a height and width of 4 to 5.5 meters (13 

to 18 feet). Native to the coastal region of Natal, South Africa. All parts of the tree contain gummy white 

sap. The branches contain 5 centimeter (2 inch) long thorns that are Y-shaped. Young branches are green. 

Leaves are leathery, dark green, evergreen, thorny at the tips, opposite, ovate to broad-ovate in shape, glossy, 

and 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long. Sweet-smelling star-shaped flowers are white, tubular, 5 

centimeters (2 inches) wide, five-lobed, and occur singly or in pairs at the end of branches. Some male 

flowers contain stamens that are longer than the style. Female flowers contain stamens that are the same 

length as the style and have no pollen. Pollination occurs by small beetles, hawkmoths and night-flying 

insects. Dark red fruit is an ellipsoid, round, oval, or oblong berry that grows solitary on the tree and 

measures 2.5 to 6.25 centimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) long by 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) wide. The skin is 

smooth and tender and is coated with a thin, whitish wax bloom when ripe. Unripe fruit contain gummy 

latex. Pulp is pink to strawberry-colored, juicy, and contains milky sap. The flavor is sour. Each fruit 

contains 6 to 16 small, thin, flat brown seeds that can be consumed (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, PLANTZAFRICA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting occurs all year. In Florida, flowering peaks from May to 

September. Vegetative growth is followed by flowering and thorn formation. Fruit matures in 60 

days. Fruiting occurs in 4 to 5 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from vegetative propagation

(PERENNIAL, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grown in the tropics and subtropics in full sun and well-drained soil. Thrives in 

coastal bush, sand dunes and coastal forests. Tolerates light frost to -4 °C (25 °F), semi-shade,

drought, wind, salt, a variety of climates, a number of soil conditions including dry rocky soils, red 

clay, sandy loam, sand, alkaline soils, and differing altitudes and latitudes. Does not tolerate 

waterlogging. Propagation is by seed, cuttings and layering. Seeds germinate in 2 weeks. 

Vegetative propagation is the preferred method of propagation and is done by air-layering, 

ground-layering, or shield-budding. Cuttings are only successful if the tip of the young branchlet is 

cut half-way through and left attached to the plant for 2 months. Trees should be planted one meter 

apart to form a hedge. Pruning and fertilization aid plant growth (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, PLANTZAFRICA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruits are used locally and not marketed (HU).

d. Preparation for cooking: Mature fruit are consumed whole without peeling or seeding. Whole 

fruit are preserved by pricking the fruit, cooking briefly in sugar syrup, and sealing in jars. Fruit 

may also be sliced, seeded and placed in fruit salads or added to gelatin. Fruit can also be made into 

a sauce or syrup and used as a topping for cakes, puddings and ice cream. Sometimes, fruit are 

pickled or used in pies and tarts. A combination of ripe and unripe fruits can be made into jams, 

jellies or chutneys. Whole fruit is bottled. Stewing and boiling causes latex to leave the fruit and 

adhere to the pot (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and phosphorous. 

(PLANTZAFRICA).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: While not grown commercially, it is found in home plantings in Florida, California,

Hawaii and the Gulf States; no yield data is available (MARKLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).
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5. Other commercial production regions: Southern and eastern Africa, the Bahamas, the Philippines, India, 

Israel; cultivated worldwide in the tropics and subtropics, except for Southeast Asia; grown as an ornamental 

in Hong Kong and Taiwan; no yield data is available (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, HU).

6. Use: Pulp eaten fresh or made into desserts or preserves; plant is important as an ornamental and 

protective hedge; bonsai plant (MARKLE, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, PLANTZAFRICA, HU.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CISMA
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1. Noni [(Indian-mulberry, rotten cheesefruit, bois douleur, pau-azeitona, mora de la India (GRIN))]

Rubiaceae

Morinda citrifolia L. [(syn: Morinda bracteata Roxb. (GRIN))]

2. A small, evergreen tree or large shrub that grows to a height of 2 to 10 meters (6.5 to 33 feet). Native from

Southeast Asia (Indonesia) to Australia. The tree sometimes obtains support from surrounding trees. There is 

an extensive lateral root system and a deep taproot. The trunk is 15 or more centimeters (6 inches) in diameter. 

The sapwood is soft and yellow-brown in color. The bark is smooth to slightly rough and grey to light brown 

in color. Twigs are light green, stout and four-angled. Dark green leaves are simple, opposite, membranous, 

pinnately veined, elliptic, elliptic-ovate, or oblong in shape, smooth, glossy, leathery, and 15 to 45 

centimeters (6 to 18 inches) long by 7 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) wide. Stipules are connate or distinct, 

round, deciduous, and 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) long. The tip is entire or two- to three-lobed. 

Petioles are stout and 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) long. Tiny, white, waxy flowers are tubular in 

shape, perfect, and in ovoid to globose heads. Flowers occur solitary or in groups of 2 to 3 in the leaf axils. 

Peduncles are 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long. Individual flowers contain a truncated rim calyx, a 

white, five-lobed corolla with a greenish white tube (0.7 to 0.9 centimeters (0.28 to 0.35 inch) long) and 

oblong-deltate lobes (0.7 centimeters (0.28 inch) long), five stamens, and a 1.5 centimeter (0.6 inch) long 

style. Mature yellowish white fruit is a syncarp that resembles a potato. Fruit is ovoid to globose in shape and 

5 to 14 centimeters (2 to 5.5 inches) long by 3 to 7.5 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) in diameter. Unripe fruit is 

light green in color. Pulp is translucent in color, fleshy, juicy and soft. Each fruit contains over 260 brown 

colored, fibrous, tough seeds that measure 0.4 to 0.9 centimeters (0.16 to 0.35 inch) long. The flavor is acidic, 

aromatic; resembles putrid cheese. Significant source of food for indigenous societies. There are several 

varieties of noni that vary in fruit size and leaf shape (JANICK. LORENZI, BARWICK, BONNER).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting occurs throughout the year. Flowers are produced over a span of 

several weeks, as fruit expand in size. Fruit mature during the summer in Brazil. Trees begin to 

flower and produce fruit in the first year after transplanting (JANICK, LORENZI). 

b. Cultivation: Grows best in the lowland tropics at an elevation of sea level to 800 meters (2,625 

feet), a temperature of 20 to 35 °C (68 to 95 °F), mean annual rainfall of 25 to 400 centimeters (10 to 

157 inches), and well-drained rocky, sandy or loamy-sandy soils. Prefers dry to mesic sites, 

maritime forests, and lowland areas in close proximity to shorelines. Grows as a forest understory 

tree in low-elevation tropical island forests and rainforests. Tolerates a wide variety of 

environments (wastelands, beach and lowland monsoon scrub on limestone, beach rainforest, 

disturbed forests, grasslands, coconut plantations, fallow areas, pastures and sandy coasts), a wide 

range of soils including shallow, acidic, alkaline, sodic and infertile soils, a wide range of 

precipitation patterns up to 4,000 meters (157 inches) per year, droughts of 6 months or more, wind, 

flooding, a wide range of light intensities (full sun to shade), fire, salt and salt spray, a minimum 

temperature of 5 °C (41 °F), and harsh conditions including coral beach sands, basaltic lava flows, 

brackish tide pools, or the slopes of very steep gulches. Does not tolerate grasses or other weeds. 

Propagated by seed, air layering, root sprouts, or cuttings. For seeding purposes, ripe fruit are 

crushed by hand, allowing seeds and pulp to fall into a pot filled with a growth medium. The layer 

of pulp and seeds are then covered with a shallow layer of growth medium and the pot is placed in a 

warm location and watered daily. Since the seedcoat is so tough, seeds may be scarified to reduce 

germination time. Germination occurs in 60 days or more with unscarified seeds and 3 to 4 weeks 

with scarified seeds. Seeds are viable for 6 months. Seedlings can be transplanted to the field in 9 

months. Stem cuttings from woody vertical stems root in 3 to 4 weeks in an inert growth medium 

such as vermiculite. Stem cuttings can be transplanted to the field in 6 months. Plants should be 

spaced 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 feet). Fertilizer and pruning aids growth. Fruit are harvested 

throughout the year, once per week. Fruit can be harvested during any stage of development. Fruit 

are harvested at the ‘hard white’ stage (almost all the green color has turned whitish yellow but 

before the fruit turns soft and falls from the tree) for juice. Handling and processing of the fruit 
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differs depending on the type of product that will be produced. The number of noni farms has 

increased worldwide since the early 1990s to meet market demand for products derived from the tree. 

Fruit is cultivated in domestic and commercial orchards in Brazil. In India, trees are cultivated for 

the bark (dye) (JANICK, LORENZI, BARWICK, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: A popular herbal dietary supplement in modern markets; some of 

the most important botanical remedies and food supplements traded on the international market. 

The largest markets for noni are North America, Mexico, Asia, and Australia (JANICK, 

AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit can be consumed during any stage of development, depending on the 

product to be made; consumed raw or cooked; at the ‘hard white’ stage, fruit can be made into juices. 

Softened fruit are placed into large juice-collection containers to allow the fluids to seep out naturally 

and separate from the pulp. Fruit can also be placed into a bladder press to squeeze out the juice. Ripe 

fruit are consumed with salt in Myanmar; prepared into fruit leather. Cooked fruit is mixed with 

coconut. Unripe fruit is cooked in curries. Fruit are also used as a famine food in some countries. Fruit 

juice and powders made from fruit and leaves are used in health foods. Leaves are edible raw or cooked;

leafy vegetable; used to wrap food. Very young leaves are cooked as vegetables and consumed with 

rice in Java and Thailand (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit and leaves contain high amounts of protein and ascorbic acid 

(JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Roots, bark, fruit and leaves are used as a significant source of traditional 

medicines. Trees contain a number of chemicals including anthraquinones, alkaloids, scopoletin, 

glycosides, polysacchardies, asperuloide and organic acids that aid a number of health issues. A 

complementary alternative medicine that aids high blood pressure, diabetes, pain, arthritis, 

depression, cancer, AIDS, skin parasites, skin and stomach ulcers, arteriosclerosis and senility. The 

leaf is heated or wilted and pressed on painful swellings, wounds, and the head for headaches and 

head colds. Dried fruits and leaves are used to make infusions and teas for medicinal use. Fruit are 

used as an appetite stimulant (JANICK, BARWICK, AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, Samoa, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys; yields can reach 

80,000 kilograms (88 tons) per hectare in Hawaii (JANICK, BONNER).

5. Other commercial production regions: Southeast Asia including China, Japan, Taiwan, Bangladesh, India, 

Sri Lanka, Indochina, Thailand, region of Malesia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea), the 

Indo-Pacific including eastern Polynesia, Melanesia, Western Polynesia, Micronesia; Australia; naturalized 

on the open shores of Central and South America (Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, Surinam, Brazil); the West 

Indies (the Bahamas, Bermuda); parts of Africa; widely naturalized throughout the tropics; no production 

statistics are available. Fruit yields depend on environmental and cultural factors (GRIN, JANICK, 

LORENZI).

6. Use: Ornamental, roots and bark are used for tannin/dyestuff (red dye), medicinal purposes; health and 

cosmetic products from the leaves and fruit; the trunk is used for firewood and tools; fruit and leaves are used 

as fodder; oil from the fruit is used as an insecticide; soaps (GRIN, JANICK, BARWICK, 

AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK. LORENZI, BARWICK, BONNER, PLANTS DATABASE, 

AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.
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12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MOJCI
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418

1. Olive [(mu xi lian, olivier, Ölbaum, Olivenbaum, olivo, oliveira, aceituno (GRIN))]

Oleaceae

Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea

2. A small to medium tree growing 4 to 10 meters (13 to 33 feet) high and about 9 meters (30 feet) 

wide. Native to the Mediterranean region, tropical and central Asia and parts of Africa. Grown throughout 

temperate and tropical regions of the world. Olives have been used by humans since 9000 BC. Cultivation 

of olive trees began between 4000 and 3000 BC in Asia Minor, the eastern Mediterranean, or the Nile Basin. 

Over the years, there have been many differing opinions as to the nomenclature and hierarchies within the 

genus and species. In 2002, a revision of the scientific nomenclature occurred. Today, the cultivated olive is 

known as Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea. Trees may live for 500 years. Trunk thickness varies 

according to variety; trunk color ranges from grey to grey-green. Trees not in cultivation contain multiple 

trunks that originate from a single broad base. The crown is rounded, but somewhat uneven. Unpruned trees 

are dense and bushy. The root system differs depending on the method of propagation. Seedlings form 

taproots, while cuttings form multiple adventitious roots at the cutting base. Rigid evergreen leaves are dark 

green and are covered with a thick waxy cuticle on the upper surface. Undersides of leaves contain the 

stomata that are protected by densely distributed white or silver trichomes. Leaves are simple, entire,

opposite, lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate, or elliptic and 3 to 9 centimeters (1.2 to 3.5 inches) long by 1 to 2 

centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch) wide. Each leaf contains a central vein, a smooth margin and a short petiole. 

Leaves persist on the tree for 2 to 3 years. Leaves of juvenile trees are shorter and more rounded. A mixture 

of perfect and staminate flowers are borne on 1.5 to 4.0 centimeter (0.6 to 1.6 inch) long inflorescences. 

Inflorescences are borne from buds in the leaf axils of 1-year-old wood. Each paniculate inflorescence 

consists of a single central axis from which lateral branches arise. The central axis and lateral branches 

contain flowers that occur singly or in groups of three to five. Each inflorescence contains 10 to 40 small 

flowers. Individual flowers are radially symmetrical and contain four white to yellowish-white petals that 

are united at the base. Pollination is by wind. Olive pollen contains more than 50 different proteins in each 

pollen grain, making it highly allergenic. Fruit is a small drupe that is round to elliposoid, 1 to 4 centimeters

(0.4 to 1.6 inches) long, and 0.5 to 2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inch) in diameter. Fruit size varies according to 

variety. The skin is smooth and consists of a thick waxy protective cuticle. The stomata on the surface of the 

fruit transform into lenticels that appear as light-colored spots at green maturation. Each fruit contains one 

pit. Throughout most of its growth, the fruit is green. During maturation, the fruit turns yellowish and 

darkens from reddish to purple to black. Numerous fruit are produced from a single tree. The four major

types of table olives include Spanish-style green olives that are harvested green and treated in alkaline 

solution, Sicilian-style green olives that are treated in brine, untreated black olives, and brine-treated 

California-style black olives. Over 1,200 different olive cultivars have been developed (EFLORAS,

JANICK, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering takes place from April to May. Blooming occurs for a period of 10 to 14 days. 

Less than 5% of the flowers set fruit. Fruit growth is long and lasts about 6 to 7 months. Flowering 

occurs 10 years from seed and 4 to 6 years from vegetative propagation. Winter chilling is required 

for reproductive budburst. Olive trees have strong alternate bearing habits. Heavy flowering and 

high yield in one year is followed by low yield the following year. Pruning can aid this problem

(EFLORAS, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Grown in temperate to tropical regions. Requires sufficient winter chill to ensure 

fruit set and a long, hot growing season for proper fruit ripening. Flourishes in full sun. Tolerates 

mild wind, mild saline conditions, dry periods and any well-drained soil up to pH 8.5. Irrigation and 

fertilization improves fruiting. Does not tolerate hot, dry winds during fruiting or spring frosts; 

green fruit is damaged at approximately 2 °C (28 °F). Olives are adapted to the xerophytic 

condtions of the Mediterranean climate. Propagated mostly by leafy stem cuttings. Approximately 

10 to 15 centimeter (4 to 6 inch) long cuttings with 2 to 3 pairs of leaves should be obtained from 

1-year-old shoots. Cuttings are treated with rooting hormone and placed on heated mist benches
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during spring or fall. Once rooted, cuttings are moved to individual containers. Young trees are 

trained into a specific shape and size. Trees are pruned at the end of winter to renew the fruiting 

surface. There is a range of time during which the fruit may be harvested. This depends on whether 

the fruit will be used for table or oil. Fruit are mostly mechanically harvested. Beating the branches 

with poles and collecting the olives on tarps, large combs and hand picking are other harvest 

methods. Processing occurs directly after harvesting. The increased interest in olive oil 

consumption is causing an increase in planting of olive orchards in new and traditional growing 

areas. Improved varieties and horticultural techniques are being developed (JANICK, CRFG, 

PLANTS FOR A FUTURE). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Widely available; sold throughout the world; raw olives are sold 

in speciality produce stores; there is a growing interest in olive oil consumption for health and 

gourmet reasons (JANICK, CRFG).

d. Preparation for cooking: Olives are used for oil extraction and table consumption. Green-cured 

and ripe-cured olives are used as a relish or snack; fruit are stuffed with pimentos or almonds; used 

in breads, soups, and salads; common ingredient of everyday foods. In some areas, olives are picked 

green, crushed, cured in oil and used as a salad. Fruit can be dried in the sun and eaten without 

curing. Various fruit processing technologies are used remove the natural bitter taste for table 

consumption. The bitterness that comes from the compound oleuropein, is removed by a treatment 

with alkaline solution, a soaking in water or brine, or a treatment in dry salt. Table olives vary 

according to the maturity stage at which the fruit is picked, the kind and degree of treatment, the 

variety of the fruit, and the addition of flavor ingredients. Oil is extracted from the fruit and is used 

cold or hot as a flavoring or ingredient. Due to its stability at high temperatures, the oil is useful for 

frying. Compared to other oils, there is less penetration into food. The quality of the oil depends on 

the variety, maturity and extraction procedures. Many people consider the oil a gourmet food. 

Commercial olive oil is labeled as ‘extra virgin’, ‘virgin’, refined’, ‘olive pomace’ and ‘olive oil’. 

Virgin and extra virgin oils are obtained from the first pressing. This is a purely mechanical process. 

Only cold pressing is used for extra virgin oil. Heat may be applied to aid in increasing fruit 

cell-wall permeability. Pomace oil is produced by chemical solvent extraction of the residue that 

remains after pressing. Refined oil is chemically refined either from lesser quality virgin oil or olive 

pomace oil. Olive oil is a mixture of refined and virgin oils (JANICK, CRFG, PLANTS FOR A 

FUTURE).

e. Nutritional aspects: Olive oil contains a high monounsaturated fat (particularly oleic acid) and 

antioxidant content. Oil is low in saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Many value the oil because it 

aids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Oil is also beneficial for glycaemic control, obesity 

and cancer (JANICK). 

f. Medicinal aspects: Olive oil has been used as a medicine and body ointment for many years. The 

oil is used as a body cleanser, a skin soother and a laxative. Oil is consumed to reduce gastric 

secretions and treat ulcers. Externally, oil is used to cure dandruff. Leaves are used as an antiseptic, 

astringent, febrifuge and sedative. The bark is an astringent and febrifuge (JANICK, PLANTS FOR 

A FUTURE).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Commercially grown in California; most production occurs California’s Central 

Valley; some production occurs outside Phoenix, Arizona. According to the USDA, in 2009, total 

production in California was 42,002tonnes (46,300 tons) of olives (MELNICOE 1996e, CRFG, FAOSTAT, 

USDA).

5. Other production regions: Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, South America, the Middle East, northern and 

southern Africa, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Western and southwestern Asia, southeastern and southwestern 

Europe, the Mediterranean region, Taiwan; widely cultivated and sometimes naturalized. World olive 

production is 9.5 million hectares (23,475,011 acres). Approximately 90% of production is used for olive oil. 

Approximately 75% of olive oil is from Europe, with Spain producing the most oil. Greece, Italy and 

Portugal are also leading producers. Nearly half of all world production of table olives is from Europe and 
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one-third is from the Middle Eastern and Northern African countries. According to FAOSTAT, in 2007, 

6,222,100 tonnes (6,858,691 tons) were produced in Spain, 3,481,379 tonnes (3,837,563 tons) were 

produced in Italy, 2,444,230 tonnes (2,694,302 tons) were produced in Greece, 1,075,854 tonnes (1,185,926 

tons) were produced in Turkey, and 900,000 tonnes (992,080 tons) were produced in Tunisia. World olive 

production in 2008 was 18,083,800 tonnes (19,933,977 tons) (GRIN, MARKLE, EFLORAS, JANICK, 

FAOSTAT). 

6. Use: Grown for fresh fruit and oil; pickled for green olives, brined and canned for ripe, crushed for oil. 

Also grown as an ornamental, preservative, erosion control, fuelwood, charcoal, lipids, medicinal purposes, 

important trade commodity, cultural symbol; fruit is an important food in the Mediterranean diet; oil from 

the seed is used for soap making and lubrication. Maroon, purple, blue and black dyes are obtained from the 

fruit; yellow-green dye is obtained from the leaves. Wood is used in turnery and cabinet making (GRIN, 

MARKLE, JANICK, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit. Seed sometimes crushed for oil extraction.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit and its processed commodity oil. In EPA Table 1, EPA notes that the 

fruit should be analyzed after removing and discarding stem and pit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0305) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits (edible peel); 023 (SO0305) 

Oilseed; 067 (OC 0305) Vegetable crude oil; 068 (OR 0305) Vegetable refined oil; 069 (DM 0305) 

Miscellaneous derived edible products of plant origin.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MELNICOE 1996e, EFLORAS, JANICK, CRFG, 

PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, PLANTS DATABASE, FAOSTAT, USDA.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: OLVEU
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438

1. Papaya, Mountain [(papayer de montagne, Bergpapaya, chamburú, chamburo, Chiluacán, papaya de 

tierra fría (GRIN))]

Caricaceae

Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC. [(syn: Carica candamarcensis Hook. f., Carica cestriflora (A. DC.) 

Solms, Carica cundinamarcensis Linden, nom. nud., Carica pubescens Lenné & Koch, 

Vasconcellea cestriflora A. DC., Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis V. M. Badillo (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing, subtropical herbaceous succulent plant that grows 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) in height. 

Native to the high slopes of Ecuador and Colombia. The trunk is erect, branched, thick and rounded at the 

base and thinner toward the top. The trunk surface contains big symmetric foliar scars. Branches are upright, 

rigid, and may produce secondary branches. The plant has the appearance of a small palm. Leaves are

dentalobulate, pentagonal, pubescent, and 20 to 26 centimeters (8 to 10 inches) long by 34 to 40 centimeters

(13 to 16 inches) wide. The leaves have a medium lobule and three to five oblong-acuminate side lobelets.

The petiole is 17 to 34 centimeters (7 to 13 inches) long. Plants may produce only female flowers, only male 

flowers, or hermaphrodite flowers. Compared to female flowers, hermaphrodite flowers produce smaller 

fruit with more pronounced elongated lobules and thinner pulp. Flowers are pubescent. Fruit is similar to

the common papaya. It is a five-sided, oblong-ovoid to obovoid berry that is 6 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 

inches) long by 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) wide. Each fruit contains strongly lobed longitudinal 

segments. The skin is smooth, tough and changes color from green to bright yellow when ripe. Pulp is 

yellow and the flavor is sour. Each fruit contains many brownish, rough seeds. The plant can live for up to 

17 years, but for commercial production, the lifespan is only 5 years. Unlike the common papaya, the 

climate requirements, the tree’s growth habit, the fruit type and general orchard management of the 

mountain papaya are different (PERENNIAL, NAGY, ECOCROP, CAMPBELL, VEGA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit is produced year-round, but has seasonal fluctuations. Main production occurs 

from August to March in Chile. Fruit production occurs occurs in 2 years from seed. One tree may 

produce 50 to 60 fruit per season (PERENNIAL, NAGY, TRADE WINDS).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical highlands and cool subtropical areas with well-distributed rainfall

of 50 to 100 centimeters (20 to 39 inches) and temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 °C (50 to 75 °F). 

It also grows in temperate climates. In tropical areas, plants inhabit the low dry mountain forest area

at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 meters (4,921 to 9,843 feet). Grows well in deep soil and abundant 

organic matter. Mountain papaya is hardier than the common papaya. It tolerates drought and light 

frosts of up to 2 °C (28 °F). It does not tolerate low dawn temperatures and intense midday sun 

during the winter (May to September). Propagation is mainly by seed. Seeds are removed from the 

fruit, dried in the open air and planted in pots. Germination occurs in 30 days. Seedlings are planted 

3 by 3 meters (10 by 10 feet) apart in the field when they reach 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches)

high. There is no dormancy requirement. It is not possible to separate plants by the type of flower 

produced before bloom time. Therefore, three to four plants per site are planted. When the flower 

types are identified, the plants are selected and the hermaphrodite and female plants are selected for 

the orchard. Due to the high content of papain in the green fruit, people who harvest and handle the 

fruit must wear protective gloves to prevent wounds around the fingernails (PERENNIAL, NAGY, 

ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, POPENOE, VEGA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is accepted on the international market for use in the 

pharmacological industry and as a meat tenderizer. Rural populations consume the fruit (VEGA).

d. Preparation for cooking: The fruit is only eaten fresh when sugar is applied. Fruit is cooked in 

syrup, stewed, or processed into preserves and jams. It can be canned or used for beverages; boiled 

and baked green fruit may be used as a vegetable. Thinly-sliced preserved flesh is eaten at meals 

with cheese or used in cooking (PERENNIAL, NAGY, TRADE WINDS, CAMPBELL, VEGA).

e. Nutritional aspects: Green fruit is rich in papain (NAGY).
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f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is used in Colombia, Chile, and northern Ecuador to treat arterial 

sclerosis. Latex of the fruit is used against skin infections and warts. It is also used to destroy 

intestinal worms, inflammations of the intestine, diabetes and liver diseases (POPENOE, VEGA).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Limited. Grown in California; no yield data is available (MELNICOE 1996d).

5. Other production regions: Commonly cultivated in the high slopes of Ecuador and Colombia; also grown 

in Panama, Venezuela, and northern to western South America, especially the Andes Mountains; yields per 

unit area are not known; one tree can produce 50 to 60 fruit per season (GRIN, TRADE WINDS).

6. Use: Fruit is eaten cooked or fresh. It is easily prepared because it can be eaten skin and all; used as a gene 

source for disease resistance for papaya; the proteolytic enzyme, papain, is used as a meat tenderizer; grown 

in family gardens; green fruit is a source material of latex; medicinal purposes (GRIN, MARKLE, NAGY, 

VEGA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MELNICOE 1996d, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, NAGY, 

ECOCROP, CAMPBELL, VEGA, TRADE WINDS, POPENOE.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CIAPU (listed as Carica pubescens (A.DC.) SOLMS-LAUBACH/LENNE

& K.KOCH
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1. Patauá [(patauá, bataua palm, kumbu, seje, ungurahui, Sejepalme (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Oenocarpus bataua Mart. [(syn: Jessenia bataua (Mart.) Burret, Jessenia oligocarpa Griseb. & H. 

Wendl., Jessenia polycarpa H. Karst., Oenocarpus oligocarpus (Griseb. & H. Wendl.) Wess. Boer 

(GRIN))]

2. A large, vigorous, single-stemmed canopy palm growing 15 to 25 meters (49 to 82 feet) tall. Native to 

northern South America. The trunk is smooth and 15 to 40 centimeters (6 to 16 inches) in diameter. The 

crown is funnel-shaped and contains 8 to 16 spirally arranged, large, erect, feather-shaped, pinnately 

compound leaves that grow 3 to 8 meters (10 to 26 feet) long. The petiole grows 1 meter (3 feet) long. There 

are 100 to 200 pinnae arranged in a single plane along the rachis. Pinnae measure 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet)

long. The sheath is open to the base and contains abundant black, stout fibers at the margins, intermixed 

with brown wooly fibers. The inflorescence is paniculate, measures 1.2 meters (4 feet) long, and has several 

hundred branches that are around 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long. Each branch bears numerous cream-colored 

flowers. Each panicle bears over 1,000 round to elongate, dark purple drupes that are pointed at the apex and

2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.6 inches) in diameter. The skin is smooth and shiny. Each fruit contains a single 

seed and 6.5 to 8% oil by fresh weight. Some believe the pulp tastes like chocolate. The tree can live 50 to 

80 years (JANICK, PALMBASE, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit ripen from April to November. The plant takes 10 to 15 years to fruit from seed

(JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Palms are scattered on upland soils of terra firma rainforests and are widespread in 

the Neotropical lowlands. Plants do not usually grow above 950 meters (3,117 feet) in elevation. 

Palms form huge unbroken stands in flooded swamps. Do not tolerate frost. Propagated by seed. 

Seed should be de-pulped and placed in 50 °C (122 °F) water for 30 to 60 minutes. Seeds should be 

planted in partial shade. Germination occurs within 2 months. When the seedling has at least one 

leaf, it should be transplanted to a container and grown under partial shade for one year. For 

plantations, plants should be shaded for the first few weeks before planting in full sun. Spacing for 

an agroforestry plantation would be 204 to 216 plants at 7 meter (23 feet) square spacings. To 

increase fruiting production, competing plants should be removed and the nutrient content of the soil 

should be increased (JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: The fruit has great economic potential. Soaked or heated fruits 

are sold on the market in the town of Coca. Indigenous people consider the oil highly valuable. 

During World War II when a world shortage of olive oil occurred, Brazil exported over 200 tonnes

(220 tons) per year of patauá oil (JANICK, PALMBASE).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is soaked before it is eaten to soften the pulp. An oil that is similar 

to olive oil is obtained after boiling the fruit. Traditionally, oil was extracted by mashing the 

mesocarp, heating it, and pressing it in a long woven tube. Two types of oil are extracted from 

mesocarp and the seed. Amerindians produce a thick non-alcoholic juice with a nut-like flavor from 

the fruit mesocarp. Fruit are used in drinks, popsicles and ice cream (JANICK, PALMBASE, 

RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).

e. Nutritional aspects: Patauá oil is virtually identical to olive oil in appearance and fatty acid 

composition. The oil is highly unsaturated with 78 ± 3% monounsaturated fatty acids and 3 ± 1% 

polyundaturated fatty acids. A beverage prepared from the fruit has high protein content and the 

unsaturated oils make it an excellent nutritional addition to local diets (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The oil is used as a cure for minor bronchial and pulmonary infections. The 

hard endosperm is crushed and eaten to cure snake bites (JANICK, 

RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Central America including Panama, Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago), 

northern South America, Brazil, western South America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador). On average, the 
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palm yields two fruiting stems annually, with a mean weight of 15 kilograms (254 pounds). Some plants 

produce up to five fruiting stems. It is estimated that 100 fruting plants would produce 1.6 tonnes (1.8 tons)

of fruit. A hectare of wild palm stand yields 1.5 to 1.6 tonnes (1.7 to 1.8 tons) of fresh fruit and 112 to 260 

kilograms (247 to 573 pounds) of oil (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, medicinal purposes; leaf base fibers are used as blowgun darts; leaves are used as baskets; the 

palm heart is edible; wood of the stem is used for floors and other construction needs (GRIN, PALMBASE, 

RAINFORESTCONSERVATION).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PALMBASE, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: IESBA (listed as Jessenia bataua (MART.) BURRET)
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1. Peach Palm [(pejibaye, palmier pêche, parépou, Pfirsichpalme, pupunha, gachipaes, masato, chonta, 

pijuayo (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes [(syn: Bactris utilis (Oerst.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex Hemsl., 

Guilielma gasipaes (Kunth) L. H. Bailey, Guilielma speciosa Mart., Guilielma utilis Oerst.

(GRIN))]

2. A palm with multiple trunks that grows 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet) tall. Native to Central America and 

southwestern Amazonia including northern Bolivia, southeastern Peru and western Brazil. Carbonized 

seeds of this palm date back 4,000 years. All cultivated populations of this palm are listed as Bactris 

gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes and all wild populations are now listed as Bactris gasipaes var. chichagui (H. 

Karsten) Henderson. Stem diameter ranges from 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches). Internodes, leaf 

bases, and leaf midribs contain black, brittle spines. In some plants, spines do not exist. The crown contains 

15 to 25 dark green pinnate fronds. Leaflets of the fronds grow at different angles. Long strands of

inflorescences occur among the axils of the senescent fronds. Separate tiny yellowish male and female 

flowers are contained within the same inflorescence. The fruit is a drupe that varies in shape and grows in 

clusters of 50 to 1,000. One stem can contain 5 to 6 clusters of fruit. Each fruit grows 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 

to 2 inches) long and weighs 10 to 250 grams (0.4 to 9 ounces). The skin is thin, smooth, fibrous and red,

purple, orange, yellow or green in color. The humid, starchy, oily pulp is yellow to orange in color. Most 

fruit contain a fibrous, oily, white, conical-shaped, 8 to 10 centimeter (3 to 4 inch) kernel. The flavor of the 

fruit is fruity to chestnut-like. The seed is nutty, oily and has a coconut-like flavor. The aroma of the 

fermented pulp smells like ripe peaches. A typical bunch weighs 1 to 25 kilograms (2 to 55 pounds). 

Wild-type fruit are rich in oils and domesticated fruit are rich in starch. Currently, the plant is most 

important in both Latin American and world markets for its heart-of-palm. This palm is the only 

domesticated palm in tropical America (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, 

MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs year-round in many areas. In areas where the dry season is less 

pronounced, two flowering periods occur and fruiting occurs every six months. The fruiting season 

extends over a 2 to 4 month period. In central Brazilian Amazonia, the main flowering season 

occurs from the mid-dry season in August and September, to the beginning of the rainy season in 

November. In Costa Rica, the main flowering season occurs from May to July. In Brazil, fruit ripen 

from late December to late March and in Costa Rica, fruit ripen from August to October. Fruit 

production occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Wild palms grow in transitional natural ecosystems where there are natural 

disturbances including riverbeds and primary forest gaps. Cultivated palms occur in ecosystems 

created by humans. Cultivated palms are adapted to a wide range of ecological conditions in the 

humid Neotropics. Palms require hot, wet tropical lowlands with deep, fertile, well-drained soils,

elevations of less than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), abundant and well-distributed rainfall (200 to 500 

centimeters (79 to 200 inches) per year), and average temperatures above 24 °C (75 °F). Tolerates 

low-fertility soils and short, 3 to 4 month dry seasons in non-sandy soils. Does not yield well in dry 

conditions. Does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Propagation is mainly by seed. Seed should be 

obtained from healthy trees at the beginning of the harvest season. Pulp should be carefully 

removed, seeds should be cleaned and sowing should occur in appropriate substrates with sufficient 

irrigation. Seeds germinate in 30 to 90 days. Seedlings should be placed in moderate shade. When 

palms are grown for fruit, the spacing is 5 by 5 meters (16 by 16 feet) or 400 plants per hectare. For 

heart-of-palm crops, plants should be grown in high density (> 5,000 plants per hectare), high input 

stands, where standard spacing is 1 by 2 meters (3 by 7 feet). Lime and sufficient amounts of 

nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium should be applied to acidic soils. Because inflorescences 

develop in sequence on the stem, all bunches cannot be harvested at the same time. Fruit is 

harvested when the exocarp has 50% of its final color and the seed is mature. On spineless plants, 

fruit are collected by climbing the stem and lowering the fruit bunches to the ground with a rope or 
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dropping them into a net. On spine-producing trees, poles with hooks or curved knives are used to 

cut the fruit bunch. Currently, the plant is under-utilized for its fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Due to the strong flavor, the fruit is harvested and 

commercialized before full ripeness. In Costa Rica, the San José market is supplied with fruit 

year-round. Fruit is sold in markets cooked, fresh by the bunch or minimally processed. Processing 

includes removing the fruit from the bunch, washing it, waxing it, sorting it, and packaging it. Fruit 

do not store well and deteriorate within 3 to 7 days. Heart-of-palm of this plant is the principal 

source of heart-of-palm in both Latin American and world markets. Large quantities of 

heart-of-palm are exported to Europe and the United States each year. There is also a niche market 

demand for dry four (JANICK, VAN WYK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Because raw fruit is caustic, is not consumed fresh. It is cooked and 

consumed as a breakfast item or snack with mayonnaise or sauce. The cooking process involves

boiling, peeling, halving and pitting the fruit. Fruit is also preserved or dried. Cooked fruit are used 

in stews, pureed for making certain dishes, or fermented to make a drink called chichi. Fruit are 

processed into flour by cooking the bunch, cutting the fruit into small pieces, removing the seeds,

drying the pulp and peel, and grinding the dried material. Some attempts have been made to freeze, 

dry, or can the fruit. The seed is consumed fresh or cooked. The palm is an important staple starch 

crop, perhaps as important as maize and cassava. The heart-of-palm is consumed raw in salads, or 

cooked and substituted for artichoke (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit is energy-rich and contains a large quantity of starches, oils, vitamin 

A and protein. Fruit mesocarp oil is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. A trypsin inhibitor and 

calcium oxalate crystals exist in the fruit, but can be removed by boiling. The heart-of-palm is a 

dietary product that also contains calcium oxalate crystals (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is used as an aphrodisiac (JANICK).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Cultivated throughout central and northern South America; experimental crops

are found in Africa, Asia and Oceania. In 2000, the estimated production of fresh fruit bunches in the State 

of Amazonas, Brazil was 13,600 tonnes (14,991 tons). Brazilian Amazonia produced at least twice that 

amount. In 2002 Colombian production of fruit was approximately 49,000 tonnes (54,013 tons) and Costa 

Rican fruit production was approximately 10,500 tonnes (11,574 tons). Total Neotropical fruit production is 

estimated to be 120,000 tonnes (132,277 tons). Of this, approximately 50% is fresh fruit and the other 50% 

is used for subsistence. Heart-of-palm production in Brazil was 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres) in 2002; 

production in Bolivia was 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres); Costa Rica had 8,000 hecatres (19,768 acres) in 

production in 2002, and production in Colombia was 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres). The total Neotropical 

production area of heart-of-palm is greater than 43,000 hectares (106,255 acres) (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, oil, fat, starch, vegetable, medicinal purposes; source of hearts-of-palm; wood was used for 

tools and weapons; today wood is used for construction purposes; grown in home gardens (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC,

MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, VAN WYK.

11. Production Map: No entry (PLANTS DATABASE)

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BCTGA (listed as Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.)
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468

1. 1. Persimmon, Black [(Mexican persimmon, Texas persimmon, chapote (GRIN))]

Ebenaceae

Diospyros texana Scheele

2. A slow-growing small tree that reaches a height of 6 to 12 meters (20 to 40 feet) and a width of 5 to 8 

meters (15 to 25 feet). Native to southern and central Texas and northern Mexico. The canopy is 

symmetrical. Bark is thin, smooth and peels away to reveal shades of gray, white and pink on the trunk. The 

wood is black, hard and heavy. Branches are intricate and ascend into the crown in a twisted fashion. The 

tree is deciduous from USDA zone 8 northward and remains evergreen in its southern range. Leaves are 

dark green, leathery, alternate, simple, entire, oblong to obovate in shape, slightly hairy on the underside, 

and less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. Flowers are fragrant, inconspicuous, and greenish to white in 

color. Male and female flowers are located on different plants. Black fruit are small, round berries that are

1.3 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth. The pulp is sweet and juicy. Each fruit 

contains 3 to 8 seeds. Fruit are popular to birds and other wildlife (GILMAN 230, AGGIE-HORT, FED).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from February to June. Fruits mature in August and September. 

Seedlings flower within five to six years (GILMAN 230, AGGIE-HORT, FED).

b. Cultivation: Grows best in subtropical climates with full sun and shallow, rocky, limestone soils. 

Prefers warm winters, hot, humid summers, and rainfall in the spring and fall. Forms heavy thickets 

in the Edwards Plateau. Also popular in Texas in the Rio Grande plains and the southeastern corner 

of the Trans-Pecos region. In Mexico, trees are found in the northern portions of Neuvo Leon, 

Coahuila, Tamaulipas, and the extreme Northeastern corner of Chihuahua. Texas persimmon 

occurs in scrub evergreen forests, mature riparian and woody upland communities. Tolerant of heat, 

drought, shade, and most well-drained soils including clay, loam, sand. Can survive in semiarid 

environments including rocky north slopes, arroyos, ravines, and upper floodplain terraces. In drier 

regions, the tree grows on canyon sites. Grows at elevations of 300 to 1,700 meters (1,100 to 5,700 

feet). Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. Propagation is by seed and vegetative reproduction. Clean 

seeds without fruit pulp germinate rapidly in warm, moist soil. Germination rates are 50 to 90 

percent. Trees can be fertilized once per year (GILMAN 230, AGGIE-HORT, FED). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is used in puddings and custards (FED).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Texas; no yield data is available (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northern Mexico; no yield data is available (GRIN). 

6. Use: Fruit, bonsai, container plant, ornamental; fruit are used to make a black dye in Mexico; wood is 

used for tools, engraving blocks and art work; source of food, sheleter and cover for wildlife (GRIN, 

GILMAN 230, FED).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Edible peel and inner pulp (AGGIE-HORT).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PLANTS DATABASE, GILMAN 230, 

AGGIE-HORT, FED.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 6 and 8 (PLANTS DATABASE)
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12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOSSS (listed as Diospyros L. spec), DOSKA (D. khaki), DOSTE (D. 

texana), DOSVI (D. virginiana)
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468

1. Persimmon, Japanese [(Chinese persimmon, kaki, kaki persimmon, Oriental persimmon, shi, rague 

mine, Kakibaum, Kakipflaume, pisang kaki, caqui, kaki del Japón, placa minera (GRIN))]

Ebenaceae

Diospyros kaki Thunb. [(syn: Diospyros chinensis Blume, nom. nud. (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing, upright, deciduous tree that reaches a height of 4 to 18 meters (13 to 60 feet) and a spread 

to 4.5 to 6 meters (15 to 20 feet). Native to China, Japan, Burma, the Himalayas and the Khasi Hills of 

Northern India. The tree contains a rounded crown. Leaves are leathery, glossy and dark green on the upper 

surface, brown-silky underneath, large, alternate, oblong, ovate-elliptic, oblong-ovate or obovate in shape,

and 7 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) long by 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) wide. Petioles are short, 

brown, hairy and measure 2 centimeters (0.75 inch) long. During the fall, leaves turn yellow, orange and red. 

Greenish-yellow flowers occur in the axils of leaves on the current season’s shoot and contain prominent, 

persistent sepals. Flowers may be male, female, or a combination of both. Female flowers are solitary and 

contain a large leaf-like green calyx that is 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches). Male flowers occur as 

three-flowered cymes. On many subtropical forms, male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Most 

commercial varieties produce only female flowers. Pollination occurs by bees. Fruit are berries that

resemble tomatoes in shape and color. Size, color and shape vary depending on the cultivar. Fruit can be 

spherical, conical, ovoid, oblate, flattened, or squarish and yellow, light yellow-orange or dark orange-red in 

color. Fruit size ranges from 2.5 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) in diameter and fruit weight varies from 

less than 100 grams to 300 grams (3.5 to 11 ounces). Compared to American persimmon, Japanese 

persimmon fruits are larger. The skin is smooth, glossy, thin and tough. Pulp is orange in color; the flavor is 

sweet when ripe. Fruit grow solitary on the tree. Young fruit are highly astringent due to soluble tannins. 

Cultivars that do not lose astringency naturally on the tree are called astringent-type fruit. These fruit are 

further classified into pollination variant astringent and pollination constant astringent types. Some cultivars 

lose astringency as they develop on the tree. These are called the non-astringent type fruit. These fruit are 

further classified as pollination constant non-astringent and pollination variant non-astringent types. With 

variant-type persimmons, the flesh darkens when it has seeds. When no seeds are present, flesh of the 

variant-types does not turn dark and the astringency is kept until maturation. With constant-type

persimmons, flesh color and astringency loss is not changed by the presence or absence of seed. There are 

more than 950 cultivars of Japanese persimmon. The major varieties are Izu, Fuyu, and Suruga. Almost all 

non-astringent cultuvars were developed in Japan. An important fruit source in China, Korea, and Japan 

since prehistoric times (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs March to April in Florida and mid-April in Japan. Fruit matures in 

approximately 200 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL). 

b. Cultivation: Grown worldwide in warm temperate areas, subtropical areas and tropical highlands. 

Requires well-distributed rainfall and a seasonal cool period for proper flowering and fruiting. 

Prefers fertile, free draining clay loams with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Tolerates a wide range of soils and

locations. Thrives in semi-arid to high humidity areas. Grows wild at elevations of 1,830 to 2,500 

meters (6,000 to 8,000 feet). The optimal temperature range for fruit growth and sugar 

accumulation is 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F). Extremely high temperatures during the summer inhibit

fruit growth. Cool autumn temperatures promote the final expansion of fruit development and 

enhance fruit maturation. Some cultivars tolerate moderate frost. Non-astringent varieties grow 

better in the warm subtropics. Astringent types are best suited for temperate areas. Propagation is 

mostly by grafting. Some plants are propagated by seed, micropropagation, and budding. For 

seedling rootstocks, seeds should be cleaned, dried, and placed directly in a seedbed at 30 °C (86 °F)

during the autumn months. Seedlings should be established in long, narrow pots before potting into 

large containers. Grafting is done from early to mid-April when water begins to ascend to the upper 

parts of the tree. Grafts can be planted in three to four months. Commerical trees should be trained,

thinned and pruned. Dwarf varieties should be planted 5 by 2.5 meters (16 by 8 feet) apart, 
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semi-dwarf trees should be planted 5 by 3 meters (16 by 10 feet) apart, and vigorous varieties should 

be planted 6 by 4.5 meters (20 by 15 feet) apart. Several selected cultivars of persimmon are used 

for intensive cultivation. Some early-ripening cultivars are cultivated partially in heated plastic 

houses for early harvest. Harvesting should occur when fruit are fully mature. Maturity is 

determined by measuring blossom end color with a color chart and measuring sugar content with a 

hand refractometer. Non-astringent fruit have a shelf life of 10 to 14 days. With cold storage 

temperatures between -1.0 to 1.0 °C (30 to 34 °F), fruit can be stored for 2 to 4 months. 

Astringent-type fruit are treated with carbon dioxide and/or ethanol after harvest. Gibberellic acid 

spray can be applied to the growing fruit to delay the maturation process and increase shelf life. 

Wrapping fruit with polyethylene film also prolongs fruit storage. With this method, fruit can be 

stored for more than 3 months in the refrigerator after harvest (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold all over the world. Most production in Israel is 

consumed domestically as fresh or cold-stored fruit, but some is also exported to Europe. Early fruit 

is shipped to market by the middle of August (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is mainly consumed fresh by cutting the fruit in half and scooping 

the flesh out with a spoon. Lemon juice, cream or sugar is usually added to the pulp. Peeled fruit is 

added to fruit salads, blended to make persimmon juice, processed into jams or sorbets, candied,

stewed, or puréed and added to ice cream and other desserts. Fruit can also be made into molasses, 

cider, beer, and wine. Roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute. Astringent-type fruit are mostly 

grown in China. These fruit are usually consumed over-ripened, dried, candied, frozen, preserved, 

or fresh after artificial treatments are performed to remove astringency. For drying, fruit are peeled, 

and hung in the sun (Japan) or sliced and oven-dried (Western countires). Dried fruit are also used 

as a source of sugar in China. Fruit are cured by soaking in vinegar or immersing in boiling water 

and letting the fruit stand for 12 hours; fruit may also be cured by spraying with ethanol, ethylene 

gas, or carbon dioxide (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contain large amounts of potassium and are a good source of vitamin A 

and vitamin C (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit contains antioxidant compounds including polyphenols and anti-cancer 

compounds including ß-cryptoxanthins. A mixture of the calyx and fruit stem are used to cure 

hiccups and coughs (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, California; southern states; no yield data is available (PERENNIAL,

MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines,

the Himalayas, the Khasi Hills of northern India, Brazil, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Iran, the 

Mediterranean coast of France, Italy, and other European countries, Southern Russia, Algeria. A young tree 

yields approximately 22.6 to 40.8 kilograms (50 to 96 pounds) of fruit per year. A mature tree yields 

approximately 150 to 250 kilograms (330 to 550 pounds) of fruit per year. According to 2002 FAO statistics, 

the global production of persimmon totaled 2,328,919 tonnes (2,567,193 tons). Approximately 71.3% of the 

production was from China, and 11.6% each was from Korea and Japan. According to FAOSTAT, in 2007, 

China was the number one producing country, producing 2,332,962 tonnes (2,571,650 tons) of fruit; Korea 

was second, producing 395,614 tonnes (436,089 tons), Japan was third, producing 244,800 tonnes (269,845 

tons), Brazil was fourth, producing 159,851 tonnes (176,205 tons), and Azerbaijan was fifth, producing 

128,407 tonnes (141,544 tons) (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON, FAOSTAT). 

6. Use: Fruit, sugar, wood, ornamental, source of rootstocks, medicinal purposes; tannin from the unripe 

fruit is used in brewing sake, dyeing, and as a wood preservative; juice of wild persimmons is used as an 

insect and moisture repellent (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Edible peel and inner pulp (JANICK)

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit
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9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0307, FT 4113, and FT 4105) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, FAOSTAT.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 3, 4, 6, 10, and 13. 

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOSSS (listed as Diospyros L. spec), DOSKA (D. khaki), DOSTE (D. 

texana), DOSVI (D. virginiana)
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1. Pitomba

Myrtaceae

Eugenia luschnathiana Klotzsch ex O. Berg [(syn: Eugenia lucescens Nied., Phyllocalyx 

luschnathianus O. Berg (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing, upright, spreading tree that reaches a height of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) and a width of

5 meters (15 feet). Native to Bahia, Brazil. The trunk is light brown to tan. Foliage is dense. Leaves are 

dark green on the upper surface, pale green on the lower surface, evergreen, glossy, opposite, short-petioled, 

oblong-lanceolate in shape and 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) long. New growth contains bronze hairs 

on the undersides of the leaves. White to yellowish flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils, long-stalked, 

4-petalled and up to 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide. Orange to bright orange-yellow fruit is ovoid or 

broad-obovate in shape, 4-lobed, and 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) in diameter. The skin is smooth, 

thin and tender. Each fruit contains 4 to 5 green sepals on the apex that measure 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch)

long. Within each fruit there is one round or 2 to 4 irregular angular seeds. Seeds are light tan in color and 1 

to 1.6 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) in diameter. The soft, juicy aromatic pulp is yellow in color and has the 

texture of an apricot; the flavor is sweet, acid or slightly resinous (PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS, 

DALEYSFRUIT).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs April to May in Florida and April to June elsewhere. Fruit matures in

30 to 60 days (May to July). Fruit ripen in November and December in Brazil. Sometimes there is 

a light fall crop. Trees bear fruit after reaching approximately 1.1 meter (3.5 feet) high. 

(PERENNIAL, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires tropical to warm subtropical climate. Plants grow well in full sun and a 

variety of soils that are fertilized and frequently/heavily watered. Prefers acidic soils. Tolerant of 

saline conditions, partial shade, and light frosts up to 3 °C (27 °F). Not tolerant of drought during 

blooming and fruit development. Propagation is by seed and grafting. Seedlings produce fruit of 

varying sizes. Superior varieties are veneer-grafted. Cultivated locally and grown in botanical 

gardens (PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; may also be made into jellies, preserves, fruit 

leathers and carbonated beverages (PERENNIAL, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: A few specimens have been grown in southern Florida; no yield data is available

(MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Brazil; introduced elsewhere; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL).

6. Use: Fruit, home garden plant, hedge, container plant (GRIN, PERENNIAL, QUISQUALIS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS.

11. Production map: No specific entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: EUELU
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487

1. Pomerac [Malay apple, mountain-apple, Otaheite-apple, rose-apple, jamboissier rouge, poirier de 

Malaque, pomme malac, Malakka-Apfel, Malayapfel, jambu bol, manzana de agua, pomarrosa de Malaca

(GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry [(syn: Caryophyllus malaccensis (L.) Stokes, 

Eugenia malaccensis L. (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing, medium-size tree reaching a height of 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet). Native to Malaysia. 

The trunk is erect, short, fluted and 4.5 meters (15 feet) in diameter. The crown is conical, pyramidal or 

cylindrical in shape. The outer bark is flaky and pale gray, while the inner bark is pinkish brown. Leaves 

are evergreen, soft-leathery, dark-green, glossy, simple, opposite, elliptic-lanceolate, ovate, oblong, or

oblanceolate in shape, and 15 to 46 centimeters (6 to 18 inches) long by 9 to 20 centimeters (3.5 to 8 inches)

wide. New leaves are wine-red to pink-buff in color. Petioles are short, red and 0.2 to 1 centimeter (0.1 to 

0.4 inch) long. Showy flowers are abundant, mildly fragrant, in short-stalked clusters of 2 to 8, and borne on 

the upper trunk, leaf axils, and along leafless areas of mature branches. Each flower is funnel-like at the base 

and is composed of 5 thick, green sepals, many 4 centimeter (2 inch) long stamens with anthers, and 4 

pinkish-purple, dark-red or sometimes white, yellow, or orange petals. Flowers are approximately 5 to 8 

centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide. Yellow, pink, rose-red, crimson, purple or red to pink-streaked fruit is

pear-shaped, ovoid, oblong, or obovoid in shape, short-stalked, and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inch) long by 

2.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) wide at the apex. The skin is thin, smooth and waxy. Fruit pulp is crisp 

to spongy, juicy and white; the flavor is sweet to bland. Some suggest the flavor is apple-like. Most fruit 

contain 1 to 2 light-brown oblate, hemispherical or round seeds that measure 1.6 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 

inch) in width. Some fruit are seedless (PERENNIAL, MORTON, BARWICK, WHISTLER).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Main flowering occurs from May to June in Florida and Java, August to November in the 

South Pacific, May to February in Fiji, February and June to October in Vanuatu, March to April in 

Hawaii, and November to December and April to May in Pohnpei. In Puerto Rico, flowering occurs 

during the spring, summer and fall. Flowering takes place in 40 to 60 days. Fruit matures in 30 to 60 

days. Fruit ripening occurs from August to September in Java, May to July and November to 

December in India, November to February in the South Pacific, June to December in Hawaii,

January to February and June to December in Pohnpei, and September to May in Vanuatu. In 

Kingston, Jamaica, fruit ripening is completed during the first week of June. Fruit production occurs 

in 5 to 6 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, MORTON, 

WHISTLER).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet, humid to sub-humid, tropical climate, full sun, rich, well-drained 

soil with a pH of 6.1 to 7.4, an annual rainfall of 152 centimeters (60 inches) or more and a mean 

annual temperature of 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F). Native to lowland and montane rainforests. Grows

from sea-level to 1,219 meters (4,000 feet). Low-lying islands, moist coastal areas, and volcanic 

soils are prefered. In India, trees grow best on the banks of ponds, lakes and streams. Tolerates a 

variety of soils including sand and heavy clay and partial shade. Moderate drought tolerance. Not 

tolerant of soils with a high pH, waterlogging, and frost. Propagation is by seed, air-layering, 

budding, cuttings, and grafting. Seeds should be planted 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) deep directly in 

the field. Germination occurs in 2 to 4 weeks. Cuttings are transplanted 6 weeks after taking root. 

Superior plants are propagated by budding. For commercial production, trees should be spaced 6 to 

10 meters (20 to 33 feet) apart. Fertilization and irrigation aid plant growth. Commercial 

production occurs in Java, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bengal and South India. Fruit should be 

hand-picked from the tree as soon as full color is reached. Fruit do not store well (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON, BARWICK, WHISTLER).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets and along streets where the tree is 

grown; locally consumed, rather than exported (MORTON, WHISTLER).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh, stewed with cloves, cooked with acidic fruit, 
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processed into wine, preserved, or served with cream for dessert. In Guyana, fruit is peeled and 

stewed and the skin is cooked separately to make a syrup. Petals of the red-flowered hibiscus are 

added to the fruit to give it color. Unripe fruit are made into jelly and pickles. In Indonesia, flowers 

are consumed in salads and preserved in syrup. Young leaves and shoots are consumed raw with 

rice or cooked (PERENNIAL, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: A decoction of bark is used to aid cuts, mouth infections, throat infections, 

stomachaches and coughs; leaves are used to aid mouth infections and soothe skin; roots are used to 

alleviate itching, edema, and urinary problems. Root bark is used to cure gastrointestinal issues. A 

decoction of the fruit, leaves or seeds is used to reduce fevers. The plant is also used for various 

conditions such as constipation, diabetes, coughs, pulmonary problems and headaches. Seeded fruit, 

seed, bark, and leaves contain antibiotic activity and effect blood pressure and respiration 

(MORTON, WHISTLER). 

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, Puerto Rico; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Tropics, West Indies, Indonesia, Malaysia, Java, Philippines, Vietnam, Bengal, 

South India, Malacca, East Africa, Melanesia, Polynesia, Micronesia, Bermuda, St. Croix, Brazil, Surinam, 

Central America, Southeast Asia; the yield varies from 21 to 85 kilograms (46 to 188 pounds) per tree

(GRIN, MORTON, PERENNIAL, WHISTLER).

6. Use: Fresh fruit, table wine in Puerto Rico; ornamental; medicinal purposes; homegardens; wood is used 

for construction, railway ties, and bowls (MARKLE, PERENNIAL, MORTON, WHISTLER).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0308) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, MARKLE, BARWICK, PLANTS DATABASE, 

WHISTLER, PERENNIAL.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SYZMA
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1. Rambai [(rambi (GRIN))]

Phyllanthaceae. Also placed in: Euphorbiaceae

Baccaurea motleyana (Müll. Arg.) Müll. Arg. [(syn: Pierardia motleyana Müll. Arg. (basionym)

(GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing tree that reaches a height of 9 to 25 meters (30 to 82 feet). Native to the lowlands of 

Malaya. The trunk is short, thick, and up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in diameter. The crown is low, broad,

dense and round. New branchlets are silky-hairy. Dark green, glossy leaves are evergreen, spiraled, elliptic, 

elliptic-lanceolate, or obovate-lanceolate in shape and 15 to 33 centimeters (6 to 13 inches) long by 8 to 15 

centimeters (3 to 6 inches) wide. The upper surface of each leaf contains indented veins; the lower leaf 

surface is greenish-brown and hairy. The petiole is 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long and hairy. 

Flowers are fragrant, small, petalless, and contain 4 to 6 chartreuse hairy sepals. Female flowers are 

arranged in racemes that measure 25 to 76 centimeters (10 to 30 inches) long. Male flowers are arranged in 

racemes that are 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. 

Salmon-colored to brownish yellow fruit is ovoid, 2.5 to 4.5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long, and 2 to 4 

centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) in diameter. Fruit hang in small showy clusters from the older branches and 

trunk. The skin is thin, velvety, and wrinkled when mature. Pulp is whitish, translucent, and in 3 to 5

segments; the flavor is sweet to acid. Each segment contains one brown flat seed that measures 1.3 

centimeters (0.5 inches) long (PERENNIAL, MORTON, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs May to July. Fruiting occurs July to October (EFLORAS). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical lowlands and forests. Thrives at elevations up to 750 

meters (2,461 feet). Prefers alluvial soils near rivers or other bodies of water. Propagation is by 

seed and grafting (PERENNIAL, ECOCROP).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh, stewed or preserved; processed into wine and

jam (PERENNIAL, MORTON). 

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Bark is used to soothe eye inflammations (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Southeast Asia including Thailand and Vietnam; region of Malesia 

(Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia); grows wild in Bangha and Borneo; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

MORTON, TRADE WINDS).

6. Use: Fruit, shade tree, ornamental; wood used for posts; bark used as a mordant for dyes; medicinal 

purposes; rootstock (GRIN, MORTON, ECOCROP). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel. 

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel 

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, PLANTS DATABASE, MORTON, ECOCROP, 

EFLORAS, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production map: No entry (PLANTS DATABASE)

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BCCMO
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514

1. Rose Apple [(jambos, Malabar-plum, jamboes, jambosier, pomme-rose, Rosenapfelbaum, manzana rosa, 

pomarrosa, yambo, (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston [(syn: Caryophyllus jambos (L.) Stokes, Eugenia jambos L. (basionym)

(GRIN))]

2. A shrub or tree growing 8 to 15 meters (25 to 50 feet) tall and 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter. The 

width is usually greater than the height of the tree. Native to the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula and 

Indonesia. The crown is dense, wide, and spreading; Branches are slender, wide-spreading and low. The 

trunk is cylindrical to quadrangular in shape and twisted at the base. Bark is grayish to pale-brown, smooth 

and furrowed. Leaves are evergreen, leathery, glossy, dark-green, opposite, lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate or

narrow-elliptic in shape, pointed at the tip, 10 to 23 centimeters (4 to 9 inches) long by 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 

to 2.5 inches) wide. Young leaves are pinkish in color. The leaf stalk is 0.5 to 1.3 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 

inch) long. Creamy-white or greenish-white sweetly-scented flowers are borne in large, showy terminal 

clusters of 4 to 5 on the tips of twigs or leaf corners. Each flower is 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) wide 

and contains approximately three hundred, 4 centimeter (1.5 inch) long stamens, a 4-lobed calyx, and 4 

concave petals. Pale-yellow, greenish, whitish or pink-blushed fruit are round, oval or pear-shaped, contain 

a tough green calyx, and measure 4 to 5 centimeters (1.5 to 2 inches) long by 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) in 

diameter. The skin is smooth and thin. The pulp is crisp, mealy, dry or juicy and yellowish in color; the 

flavor is sweet and resembles the scent of roses. The center of the fruit is hollow and contains 1 to 4 brown, 

rough, hard, round seeds that measure 1 to 1.6 centimeters (0.375 to 0.625 inch) thick. The seeds rattle when 

the fruit is shaken. Fruit do not resemble apples (MORTON, CRFG, JANICK, PIER).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Trees bloom and fruit sporadically almost all year in Jamaica and Puerto Rico; fruiting 

occurs less during the summer. In the Bahamas and Flordia, the main season is May to July. In 

southern India, blooming occurs in January and ripening occurs in March to April. In the Circars, 

ripening occurs in April and May. In central India, flowering occurs February to April and ripening 

occurs June to July. There are also varieties that fruit in February and March. Fruiting occurs in 4 

years from seed (MORTON, CRFG).

b. Cultivation: Requires tropical to near-tropical climate. Prefers elevations of sea-level to 2,286 

meters (7,500 feet), deep, loamy soil, full sun, wet lowland habitats, forests, or moist uplands. In 

India, trees prefer banks of canals and streams. Tolerates semi-arid conditions, some wind, cool 

coastal condtions, sand to limestone soils with little organic matter, and temperatures to 4 °C (25 °F). 

Does not tolerate prolonged drought. Mostly propagated by seed. Some vegetative propagation has 

been conducted including air-layering, cuttings, and veneer grafting. Trees take up a large amount 

of space. Fruits bruise easily and are highly perishable (MORTON, CRFG, PIER).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are seldom marketed (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Consumed fresh mostly by children; fruit can be stewed with sugar and 

served as dessert or cooked with custards or puddings. Hollow fruit may be stuffed with rice and 

meat mixtures and baked. Fruit can be processed into jam or jelly or preserved with other fruits; can 

be made into a syrup and used in sauces or drinks. Halved or sliced fruit are candied in Jamaica. In

southeast Asia, fruit are dipped in soy or fish sauce. Flowers are candied (MORTON; CRFG, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

e. Nutritional aspects: The seeds, roots, stems, bark and leaves are said to be poisonous; fruit have 

very low nutritional value (MORTON, JANICK).
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f. Medicinal aspects: In India, fruit is used as a tonic for the brain and liver and as a diuretic;

sweetened flowers are used to reduce fevers; seeds are used to cure diarrhea and reduce excess 

mucus. In Nicaragua, an infusion of the roasted, powdered seeds are used to aid diabetics. In 

Colombia, the seeds are used as an anesthetic. A leaf decoction is used to aid sore eyes; it also serves 

a diuretic, expectorant, fever-reducer, itch reliever, and treatment for rheumatism. The bark is used 

to induce vomiting and relieve asthma and bronchitis. In Cuba, roots are used to cure epilepsy

(MORTON).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands; naturalized in the Southeastern United 

States; grown as an ornamental in California; no yield data is available (GRIN, MORTON).

5. Other production regions: East and West Indies, Indonesia, Malaya; cultivated and naturalized in many 

parts of India, Sri Lanka, former Indochina, and the Pacific Islands; naturalized in South Africa, west 

tropical Africa including Ghana, the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Reunion, Southeast Asia, Mexico,

Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, tropical Southern America, Mascarenes, Seychelles and Galapagos, 

Australia; in India, a single mature tree can yield 2 kilograms (5 pounds) of fruit each season (GRIN, 

MARKLE, MORTON, CRFG, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

6. Use: Fresh fruit, jams and jelly and candied; medicinal purposes, ornamental, weed; invasive in some 

areas; living fence around coffee plantations; fruits are used to make rosewater; branches are used to make 

hoops for sugar casks and baskets in Puerto Rico; bark is used for tanning and yields a brown dye; wood is 

used for furniture, spokes for wheels, knees for boats, beams for construction, frames for musical 

instruments, general turnery, and packing cases; fuelwood; wood for charcoal; essential oil from the leaves 

is used in the perfume industry; flowers are a source of nectar for bees (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, 

JANICK, PIER).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0309) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, PLANTS DATABASE, MARKLE, CRFG, 

JANICK, PIER, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SYZJA
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1. Rumberry [(arazá-de-água, camu-camu (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh [(syn: Myrciaria paraensis O. Berg, Psidium dubium Kunth 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A low-growing bushy shrub reaching a height of 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet). Grows throughout the 

Amazon rainforest in swampy or flooded areas. The evergreen opposite leaves are large, lanceolate to 

elliptic in shape, bushy and feathery. Individual leaves are 3 to 20 centimeters (1 to 8 inches) in length and 1 

to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) wide. Fragrant flowers are small and have waxy white petals. Small, red 

to purple fruits are round berries that measure 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) in diameter. The cherry-like 

fruit contains smooth, leathery skin. Fruit is extremely high in vitamin C content. Because the flavor of the 

fruit is sour and acidic, the fruit is usually prepared into drinks and ice creams (WIKIPEDIA, TRADE 

WINDS, RAIN-TREE, PENN, RAINFORESTCONSERVATION). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Harvests are seasonal and occur once per year, in synchrony with the annual cycle of 

precipitation. Plants flower at the end of the dry season and fruit at the peak of the rainy season

(WIKIPEDIA).

b. Cultivation: The tree naturally occurs in locally dense populations or even monospecific stands in 

Amazonian flood plains and riparian vegetation. The plant is tolerant of flooding and can withstand 

4 to 5 months with the roots submerged in water. Fruit from wild trees is harvested directly into 

canoes. The tree is relatively easy to cultivate. Plants survive best in hot, damp tropical climates, 

with large amounts of rainfall, but can grow in the subtropics, surviving temperatures just above 

freezing. Propagation is through seed. In cultivation, the tree begins bearing fruit after 4 to 6 years. 

Suggested planting densities are 600 to 1,100 trees/ha (WIKIPEDIA). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: The fruit has only recently come into large-scale cultivation and 

sale to the world market. Japan is the major buyer. The high vitamin C content of the fruit has 

created a demand for the fruit in the natural products market. Herbal supplement companies in the 

United States are marketing rumberry extracts in powders and pills (WIKIPEDIA, RAIN-TREE). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Due to the acidity and sour taste, the fruit must be prepared using a 

blender, dilution in milk/water and addition of sugar (WIKIPEDIA).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit provides up to 2 grams (0.1 ounce) of vitamin C per 100 grams (4 

ounces) of fruit. In comparison to oranges, the fruit provides thirty times more vitamin C, ten times 

more iron, three times more niacin, twice as much riboflavin, and 50% more phosphorus. The fruit 

contains a significant source of potassium. It also has a full complement of minerals and amino 

acids that can aid in the absorption of vitamin C. In addition to the chemicals mentioned above, the 

fruit contains beta-carotene, calcium, leucine, protein, serine, thiamin, and valine (RAIN-TREE).

f. Medicinal aspects: Herbal supplement companies market the fruit as a cure for viral infections, 

colds/flu, cold sores, autoimmune disorders and weight loss. The fruit contains vitamins, minerals, 

and amino acids that help with the absorption and efficient uptake of vitamin C (RAIN-TREE).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, 

Colombia, Peru. Wild trees have been found to yield an average of 9,000 to 12,000 kilograms (19,842 to 

26,455 pounds) per hectare. Planting densities of 600 to 1,100 trees per hectare yield about 12 tonnes (13 

tons) of fruit. With new techniques, higher yields can be achieved (GRIN, WIKIPEDIA).

6. Use: Beverage base, fruit, medicinal purposes (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (WIKIPEDIA).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, WIKIPEDIA, TRADE WINDS, RAIN-TREE, PENN, 

RAINFORESTCONSERVATION. 

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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540

1. Sea grape [(Jamaican kino, platterleaf, shore sea-grape, raisinier bord de mer, Meertraubenbaum, 

uva-da-praia, cocoloba, uva-do-mar, uva caleta, uva de playa, uvero (GRIN))]

Polygonaceae

Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L.

2. An evergreen low shrub or spreading tree growing to a height of 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet) and a width 

of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet). Native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, and the West Indies. Unpruned

trees are vase-shaped and multiple-stemmed. The trunk is contorted, stout and grows 0.6 meter (2 feet) in 

diameter. Bark is thin, smooth, flaking and pale grey to light brown with light blotches. The canopy is 

symmetrical, branches are thick and smooth, and the foliage is lush. Leaves are large, broad, alternate,

simple, entire, stiff, leathery, rounded to heart-shaped and 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long by 7 to 17 

centimeters (3 to 7 inches) wide. Each leaf has a sheath that surrounds the stem at the point of insertion and 

each blade contains reddish veins. New leaves are bronze in color. Old leaves turn red before falling. 

Flowers are borne on 10 to 30 centimeter (4 to 12 inches) long hanging terminal or lateral racemes. Each 

flower is fragrant, greenish-white, small, and 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) wide. Male and female flowers are 

located on different plants. Bees and insects are the main pollinators. Red, purple or off-white fruit are 

spherical, pear-shaped, or ovoid berries that grow in clusters. Each fruit measures 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 

0.8 inch) in diameter. Aprroximately 40 to 50 fruit are contained in one cluster and have the appearance of a 

bunch of grapes. The skin is thin and velvety. Each fruit contains one elliptical-shaped nut that contains a 

short sharp point on one end and measures 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long. Clusters do not ripen 

simulataneously. The flavor is sweet, acid, bland or musky (PERENNIAL, JANICK, GILMAN 175, FED, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, BARWICK).

3. Crop data:

a. Season: Flowering takes place throughout the year, but most commonly from January to August. 

Ripening occurs from March to October. Fruit deveolop and ripen in 2 months. Fruit is produced in 

4 to 8 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from cuttings (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm tropical lowlands, coastal areas, full sun and elevations from sea 

level to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Grows on rocky to sandy shores, coastal woodlands, and forms 

thickets on dunes. Rarely grows inland. Thrives on slightly to moderately alkaline, well-drained, 

loamy sands. Also grows on rocky calcareous soils and other freely-drained soils. Tolerant of a 

wide range of rainfall (50 to 150 centimeters (20 to 59 inches)), partial shade, a variety of soil 

conditions, dry seasons of up to 8 months, salt spray and drought. Not tolerant of excessive 

humidity and extended periods of frost. Young trees are injured when temperatures reach 0 °C

(32 °F). Mature trees tolerate temperatures of -5 °C (23 °F) for short periods of time. Grows slowly 

in windy locations. Propagation is by seed, air layering, ground layering, veneer grafting and 

hardwood cuttings. Seeds should be planted in or on light-textured, well-drained soil; germination 

occurs in 18 to 50 days. Transplanting occurs in 4 to 5 months, when the plant is 15 centimeters (6 

inches) tall. During the seedling stage, plants should be watered well and placed in a sunny location

protected from wind. Pruning and training should be done during the first ten years. A complete

fertilizer should be applied 2 to 3 times per year. Currently, the fruit is not grown commercially. It 

is harvested from the wild. Fruit are picked individually, since ripening is not simultaneous in 

clusters (PERENNIAL, JANICK, GILMAN 175, FED).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Not commercially produced; viewed as “exotic” (JANICK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; made into jelly, preserves, ice cream, sherbets 

or wine (PERENNIAL, JANICK, FED). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp is low in fat (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit juice is used to reduce fevers. Bark resins are used to treat throat 

problems. The root is used used to aid dysentery (JANICK).

g. Crop photos
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4. Production in U.S.: Home gardens along the Gulf Coast; Florida; ornamental in Hawaii; no yield data is 

available (GRIN, MARKLE, FED).

5. Other production regions: Tropical America, along the American Atlantic, the Pacific Coasts of the 

tropics and subtropics between 25 °N and 10 °S, the Antilles, Mexico, Central America, South America, the 

Caribbean; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).

6. Use: The fruit is utilized for making jellies, jams or wine; eaten out of hand as a fresh fruit. It is widely 

used as an ornamental in coastal areas; erosion control and dune stabilization, windbreak, bonsai, hedge, 

ground cover; medicinal purposes; wood is used to make furniture, cabinetry and ships; wood is used to 

make charcoal and serves as firewood; bark resins are used in tanning and dyeing; the plant is a good honey 

producer (GRIN, GILMAN 175, PERENNIAL, JANICK, FED, BARWICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0310) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, GILMAN 175, FED, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, BARWICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13 (PLANTS DATABASE).

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CODUV
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541

1. Sentul [(donka, kechapi, sentul, red santol, sentol, faux mangoustan, sandorique, Sandoribaum, santol

(GRIN))]

Meliaceae

Sandoricum koetjape (Burm. f.) Merr. [(syn: Melia koetjape Burm. f. (basionym), Sandoricum 

indicum Cav. (GRIN))]

2. A large, semi-deciduous, fast-growing tree that reaches a height of 15 to 45 meters (49 to 148 feet). 

Native to Southeast Asia. Trees contain milky sap. The trunk is smooth and straight and the bark is pale. 

Older trees are buttressed. Young branches and leaves are hairy. Older branches hang close to the ground. 

Leaves are glossy, green on the upper surface, light green on the lower surface, spirally-arranged, and 

compound. Each leaf contains three leaflets on long petioles that are elliptic, oblong or oblong-ovate in 

shape, pointed at the apex and 10 to 25 centimeters (4 to 10 inches) long. Margins on leaflets are entire. 

Before falling, leaves turn turn red. Flowers are borne in 10 to 30 centimeter (4 to 12 inch) long loose stalked

panicles in the axils of young shoots. Each slightly scented, pale green, greenish white, yellowish or 

pinkish-yellow flower contains 5 sepals, 5 reflexed petals, and united stamens that form a fleshy tube of ten 

anthers. Flowers measure 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide by 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Golden yellow 

to yellow-orange fruit is a spherical or oblate firm berry that measures 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) in 

diameter and weighs 50 to over 300 grams (2 to 11 ounces). The skin is pubescent at maturity, smooth or 

wrinkled, thin or thick, and emits a slightly milky juice when damaged. The fruit peduncle is attached to a 

shallow cavity. Immature fruit are green. The outer pericarp is thick, tough and leathery, while the inner aril 

is soft, white, translucent, juicy and fibrous. The flavor is sour, sweet or subacid. Each fruit contains 3 to 5 

large brown triangular-shaped seeds that measure 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) long. The two types 

of sentuls are the Yellow and the Red. The Red is more common than the Yellow. A popular tropical Asian 

fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to May in Florida. In other areas, flowering occurs for a 

period of 3 months, following leaf shed. Flowers open from 6 to 8 p.m. Fruit maturation occurs in 

approximately 120 days to 6 months. Fruit ripens from August to September in Florida, June to July 

in the Malayan Peninsula, and July to October in the Philippines. Asexually propagated trees bear 

fruit 3 to 5 years after planting (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands with fertile medium-acid soil. Does best in a wet 

monsoonal climate with average temperatures of 22 °C (72 °F), and well-drained soils with a pH of 

6.5. A backyard tree in tropical Asia and a semi-wild tree in second-growth forests. Grown with 

other fruit trees; not grown as a monoculture. Tolerates drought, areas with annual rainfall of 80 

centimeters (32 inches), cold, a variety of soils, and temperatures up to 40 °C (104 °F). Large 

mature trees tolerate light frost. Trees can recover from severe damage from -3 °C (27 °F) frosts. 

Can survive at elevations up to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). Propagation is by seed, inarching, 

approach grafting, cleft grafting, shield budding, and air layering. Seeds are prepared for planting

by rubbing the seed coat with sand and washing with water. Seeds must be planed fresh or viability 

is lost. Germination occurs in 20 to 23 days. Propagation by seed may produce undesirable fruit. 

Seedlings can be used as rootstocks in less than one year. Trees that are asexually propagated are 

smaller and bushier. Trees should be planted at the start of the rainy season in a field that is deeply

ploughed and harrowed. Before transplanting, old leaves should be removed and leaves left on the 

trees should be pruned to half their size to lower the transpiration rate. Pruning should also be done 

before fruiting to develop the main branching system and a low, spreading crown. Spacing should 

be 8 by 8 meters (26 by 26 feet) to 14 by 14 meters (46 by 46 feet). Windbreaks should be placed 

near the trees. Good fruit are cultivated by regulating fruit load and wrapping young fruit. Fruit are 

harvested when ripe or when the skin turns yellow. Harvesting is accomplished by knocking the 

fruit down with a long bamboo pole into a net and transferring the fruit into a basket. The storage 

life is 3 weeks at 8 °C (46 °F) and a humidity of 90% (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets. Marmalade is exported from the
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Philippines to Oriental food dealers in the U.S. and elsewhere (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh without peeling; can be preserved or processed 

into candy, chutney, jelly, marmalade and preserves. In Bangkok, peeled fruit is consumed with a 

chilli sauce and in India fruit is consumed with a number of spices. Preserving occurs by paring and 

quartering the fruit, cooking it in syrup, and placing it in jars. Young fruit are candied by paring the 

fruit, removing the seeds, boiling the fruit in water, and boiling the fruit a second time in sugar. In 

the Philippines, fruit are peeled by dipping the fruit in hot water for 2 minutes, a lye solution at 93 °C 

(200 °F) for 3 to 5 minutes, and a cold water bath. Following this process, fruit are commercially 

preserved. Very ripe fruit are fermented with rice to create an alcoholic drink (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is high in carbohydrates, fair in iron and low in calcium (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Pounded bark is used to treat ringworm; leaf decoctions are used to reduce 

fevers and itching; root infusions and decoctions are used as a general tonic and in treating diarrhea, 

and spasms; stem bark is used to treat colic. Pulp is used as an astringent (JANICK, MORTON). 

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Grows well in South Florida; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Tropical and Southeast Asia, Malesia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New 

Guinea, Philippines), former Indochina including Cambodia and Southern Laos, the Malay Peninsula, India, 

the Andaman Islands, the Moluccas, Mauritius; cultivated elsewhere in the tropics. Experimental data 

indicates that annual yields can reach up to 14 tonnes (15 tons) per hectare. Mature trees produce up to 22.5 

tonnes (25 tons) of fruit per hectare. In the Philippines in 1991, there were over 1.6 million productive trees

(GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK).

6. Use: The fruit is usually consumed raw without peeling. With the seeds removed, the fruit is made into 

jam or jelly; fruit is preserved; ornamental, backyard tree, provider of shade/shelter, medicinal purposes; in 

the Philippines bark is used in tanning fishing lines; wood is used to make house-posts, barrels, cabinets, 

boats, carts, sandals, and household items; firewood (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class:Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0364) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SNOKO
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1. Sete-capotes [(sete-capas, marmelero, siete capotes (GRIN))] 

Myrtaceae

Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg [(syn: Britoa sellowiana O. Berg (GRIN))]

2. A tree that grows 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) tall. Native to Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Leaves are 

marked with deep depressions, or lobes. Yellow-green fruit is round and measures 2.5 centimeters in 

diameter. The skin is velvety. The flavor is sour (E-JARDIM).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruiting occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed (E-JARDIM).

b. Cultivation: Requires subtropical climates, full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. 

Grown along the Alto Uruguay River, the Araucaria Forest and the Santa Catarina Highlands. 

Tolerates tropical climates. In warmer climates, trees should be placed in partial shade locations. 

Trees should be fertilized regularly (E-JARDIM).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; may be processed into juice and ice cream

(E-JARDIM).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay; no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Ornamental, fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class:Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, E-JARDIM.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Silver aspen 

Rutaceae

Acronychia wilcoxiana (F. Muell.) T.G. Hartley

2. A small, bushy tree growing up to 9 meters (30 feet) high. Native to the Australian rainforests. Leaves are 

shiny, smooth, dark green, 1-foliolate, obovate, oblanceolate, or oblong-elliptic in shape, and 6 to 22 

centimeters (2 to 9 inches) long by 2.5 to 9 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) wide. The apex of the leaf is rounded, 

pointed, or notched. The base is wedge or heart-shaped. The petiole is 0.6 to 3 centimeters (0.2 to 1.2 inches)

long. Inflorescences are 4 to 6.5 centimeters (1.6 to 2.6 inches) long. Each whitish flower contains 0.12 to 

0.3 centimeter (0.05 to 0.1 inch) long sepals and 0.85 to 1 centimeter (0.3 to 0.4 inch) long petals. White 

fruit are broad-ovoid to round in shape, 4 to 5 lobed, deeply furrowed between carpels when dry, grown in 

clusters at the end of branches and 0.8 to 2 centimeters (0.3 to 0.8 inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth or 

contains an apical tuft of hairs. Fruit may contain small ridges and waxy skin (HARDEN, DALEYSFRUIT, 

GOEBEL).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs during autumn (HARDEN).

b. Cultivation: Grown in coastal rainforests, further inland in subtropical rainforests, north from 

Gosford district or in coastal areas with full sun and adequate water. Fruit is planted in plantations 

and collected wild from rainforest areas (HARDEN, DALEYSFRUIT, GOEBEL).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold commercially as juice (GOEBEL).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed as juice, wines and sauces. Seeds are not consumed 

(GOEBEL).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data.

5. Other production regions: Australian rainforests, New South Wales, Queensland, coastal regions; 

approximately 100 hectares (247 acres) are grown (HARDEN, GOEBEL).

6. Use: Fruit (GOEBEL).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GOEBEL).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class:Tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, HARDEN, DALEYSFRUIT, GOEBEL.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No entry.
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578

1. Starfruit [(Belimbing manis, carambola, carambolier, Karambole, Sternfrucht, carambolo (GRIN, 

MARKLE))]

Oxalidaceae; also placed in: Averrhoaceae

Averrhoa carambola L.

2. A small, slow-growing, short-trunked, bushy deciduous tropical tree reaching a height of 8 to 9 meters (26 

to 30 feet). Native to Indochina, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The tree contains a rounded top and a smooth, 

grayish to dark trunk. The dark green leaves are alternate, petiolate and pinnate and may reach 15 to 20 

centimeters (6 to 10 inches). Each leaf consists of 5 to 11 medium-green pinnate opposite leaflets that are 

ovoid, ovate-lanceolate, or oblong elliptic and range in size from 3.8 to 9 centimeters (1.5 to 3.5 inches) long. 

Leaflets are sensitive to light and fold together at night. Red-stalked lilac purple-streaked downy flowers 

measuring 6 mm (0.25 inch) wide are found in small clusters on the twigs and in the axils of the leaves 

during much of the year. Fruits are showy, oblong, and longitudinally 5 to 6 angled, growing 6.35 to 16 

centimeters (0.5 to 6 inches) long and up to 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) wide. The skin is thin, waxy, and 

orange-yellow at maturity. The yellow flesh is juicy and crisp. Slices cut in cross section are the shape of a 

star. The flavor ranges from sour to mildly sweet, resembling apples. Three to 15 flat, thin brown seeds are 

present in the fruit. The fruit is consumed in many dishes; the tree is used as an ornamental; there are many 

medicinal uses (MARKLE, MORTON, NAKASONE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In India, the fruit is available in September and October and again in December and 

January. In Malaya, fruits are produced all year. In Florida, scattered fruits are found throughout 

the year, but the main crop matures from late summer to early winter. Some trees have fruited 

heavily in November and December and again in March and April. Weather conditions account for 

variability. In many areas, trees have several cycles of flowers and fruit during the year. Fruit take 

twelve to sixteen weeks to develop fully from flowering. Fruits fall to the ground when ripe. For 

marketing and shipping, fruits are hand-picked while pale-green with a touch of yellow. Fruits 

bruise easily (MORTON, MARKLE, VAN WYK, BARWICK, CULL).

b. Cultivation: Grown in tropical and subtropical areas. Mature trees can tolerate freezing 

temperatures for short periods of time. Thrives in full sun, at elevations of up to 1,200 meters (4,000 

feet); requires evenly distributed rainfall of 180 centimeters (70 inches) per year. Prefers 

well-drained, rich clay loam soils. Propagated from seed, grafting, budding and air layering. Seeds 

germinate in damp peat moss in one week during the summer months or 14 to 18 days in the winter. 

For mass production, side-veneer grafting of mature, purplish wood onto starfruit seedlings is used. 

Plants are spaced 4 to 9 meters (13 to 30 feet) apart (MORTON, CULL, VAN WYK). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruits were once viewed as a curiosity in the U.S.; today some 

small groves have been established and the fruits are used as “conversation pieces” to decorate gift 

shipments and appear in the produce sections of some supermarkets. Many U.S. shipments go to 

Vancouver, Quebec, Cleavand, and Disneyworld. Small amounts are sold locally. Fruits have been 

shipped successfully without refrigeration from Florida to northern cities. Waxing extends storage 

life and preserves vitamin value. The shelf life of the fruit is seven to twenty days. Fruit are 

available in the subtropics from late summer through to late winter (MORTON, CULL).

d. Preparation for cooking: The whole fruit (skin, seeds, pulp) can be consumed. The sweet 

varieties (Arkin, Fwang Tung, Thai Knight and Maha) are eaten fresh after slicing in salads and as

garnishes. The tart varieties (Golden Star, Thayer, Newcombe, Star King) are mainly used for 

cooking. These varieties are cooked in puddings, tarts, stews, and curries. In Thailand, green fruits 

are boiled with shrimp. Underripe fruits are salted, pickled or made into jam. In China, fruit are 

sliced lengthwise and canned in sirup for export. In Queesnland, the sweeter varieties are cooked 

green as a vegetable. Cross-sections of the fruit are covered with honey, allowed to stand overnight, 

are cooked briefly and put into jars. A relish is made of chopped unripe fruits combined with 

horseradish, celery, vinegar, and seasonings. Fruits are also dried and candied. Fruits are used as a 

substitute for apples in recipes. Starfruit juice is prepared into drinks. Starfruit flowers are acid and 
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added to salads or made into preserves. Leaves are eaten as a substitute for sorrel (MARKLE, 

MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

e. Nutritional aspects: The oxalic acid content of ripe starfruit may adversely affect some 

individuals. Starfruits are good sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, iron, carotenoids, and 

nicotinamide (MORTON, LAMBERTS, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: In India, ripe fruit is used to halt hemorrhages; the Chinese use the fruit as 

antidote for high blood pressure; In Thailand, the fruit is used to reduce blood sugar levels in 

diabetics; in Indonesia, it is used to alleviate hypertension, gingivitis, and acne; dried fruit or juice is 

taken to counteract fevers; a conserve of the fruit is used to reduce gastrointestinal, kidney and 

bladder problems and hangovers; an ointment made from the fruit is said to relieve eye afflications 

and skin conditions. The leaves, flowers, bark, roots and seeds are also used medicinally 

(MORTON, BARWICK). 

g. Crop photos.

4. Production in U.S.: The majority of domestic production is from Florida. One fruit grower and shipper 

has 20 hectares (50 acres) planted. Fruit from Hawaii (14 hectares (35 acres) in 1994) must be treated prior 

to shipment to the mainland. Approximately 0.9 tonnes (1 ton) of fruit was harvested from Guam in 1992; 

some production occurs in California. The current annual estimated value of this crop is $1.5 million 

(MARKLE, MORTON, CRFG, LAMBERTS).

5. Other commercial production regions: All tropical regions of the world; Indonesia, the Moluccas, the 

West Indies, some of the South Pacific islands, the provinces of Fukien, Kuangtung and Kuangsi in southern 

China, Sri Lanka. Main production occurs in Taiwan, Malaysia, Brazil, Guyana, India, the Philippines, 

Australia, Israel, Florida, and Hawaii. Individual trees that receive adequate horticultural attention have 

yielded 45 to 500 kilograms (100 to 1,102 pounds) of fruit. Yields of 100 to 250 kilograms (220 to 551 

pounds) per tree per year are common when there are two to three crops per year; no statistics are currently 

available about world production. However, overall commercial carambola planting in the world is no more 

than 10,000 hectares (24,711 acres) (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, VAN WYK, JANICK).

6. Use: Sweet varieties are eaten fresh or used in salads, garnishes, and juices. Tart varieties are used for 

cooking; flowers and leaves are consumed; unripe fruit has high oxalate content and can be used to remove 

rust and clean metals; also used in place of a conventional mordant in dyeing; wood used for furniture; 

medicinal purposes (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0289) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = Starfruit

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, CULL, BARWICK, MARKLE, MORTON, NAKASONE, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LAMBERTS, VAN WYK, JANICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: AVRCA
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589

1. Surinam Cherry [(Cayenne cherry, Brazil-cherry, cerisier carré, cerisier de Cayenne, Cayennekirsche, 

Surinamkirsche, pitanga-da-praia, pitanga-mulata, pitanga-roxa, pitanga-vermelha, cerezo de Cayena, 

nagapiry, pitanga (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Myrtaceae

Eugenia uniflora L. [(syn: Eugenia brasiliana (L.) Aubl., Eugenia michelii Lam. (GRIN))]

2. An evergreen shrub or small multi-trunked tree with a spreading growth habit, reaching a height of 6 to 10 

meters (20 to 33 feet). Native to Surinam, Guyana, French Guiana, Southern Brazil, and Uruguay. Branches 

are slender. Young stems and leaves are bright red to bronze and may contain red hairs. Dark green leaves 

are small, simple, opposite, short-petioled, shiny, resinously aromatic, ovate, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate 

in shape, blunt to sharp-pointed, and 2.5 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) long by 1.3 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 

0.75 inch) wide. In cold, dry weather, leaves turn red. Flowers are borne on long slender stalks in the leaf 

axils and occur singly or in clumps of up to four. Each small, fragrant creamy white flower contains 4 

delicate, recurved petals and 50 to 60 white stamens with yellow anthers. Individual flowers measure 1 

centimeter (0.375 inch) in diameter. Bright red, deep scarlet red, dark purplish maroon, purple or black fruit 

is an oblate to depressed-globose berry that is seven-eight-ribbed, and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches)

in diameter. Fruit are cherry-like and are connected to slender stalks. Immature fruit is green to orange. The 

peel is very thin and smooth. Each fruit contains one large seed or up to seven small seeds. The pulp is 

orange to orange-red in color, soft and juicy. The flavor is sweet, spicy, acid, tangy, or resinous. The two 

main cultivars are red-colored fruit and a less resionous, sweet, dark-purple or black fruit (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, VAN WYK, LOVE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, FLEPPC).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Florida and the Bahamas, flowering mainly occurs from March to May; occasional 

blooming occurs during other times of the year. In Brazil, flowering occurs in September and 

December. Flowers are borne on the previous season’s growth or the basal part of the current 

season’s shoots. Flowering lasts 6 to 8 weeks. In Florida and the Bahamas, fruit is harvested from 

March and April to May and June and again in September through November. In California, 

harvesting occurs late summer. In Brazil, fruit is harvested in October and again in January. In 

Israel, harvesting occurs in May. In many parts of Hawaii, fruiting occurs year-round. In many

areas, there are two fruit crops per year; some trees produce multiple crops per year. Fruit matures in 

3 weeks to 50 days. Flowering and fruiting begins 2 to 6 years after planting (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, LOVE, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires tropical to warm subtropical climates, full sun to partial shade, and medium 

to high rainfall. Found growing along streams, river banks, and the edges of forests in Brazil. 

Grows at elevations of sea level to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet). Favors deep loamy soil. Tolerates a 

variety of well-drained soil conditions including sand, sandy loam, stiff clay, and limestone-based 

soils, long dry seasons, periodic flooding, temperatures down to -6 °C (21 °F), and light frost. Not 

tolerant of saline conditions. Propagation is by seed, marcottage, air-layering, or veneer or cleft 

grafting. Germination occurs within 3 to 4 weeks after removal from the fruit. Seedlings are used 

for rootstocks of Surinam cherry. Trees should be planted 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) apart or in 

hedgerows with an in-row spacing of 1 to 2 meters (3 to 7 feet) and a between-row spacing of 5 

meters (16 feet). During the first 5 years of growth, trees should not be pruned. For ornamental 

purposes, trees are pruned into square hedges. For fresh consumption, fruit should be harvested and 

immediately packaged when fully ripe. Following harvesting, fruit should be chilled immediately. 

For jelly manufacturing, fruit are harvested when orange or orange-red in color. Fruit is easily 

damaged and the postharvest shelf life is short. With refrigeration, shelf life is 14 days. Fruit has 

commercial potential as a processed fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LOVE, MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Currently, fresh fruit is only available at local markets. The only 

commercial production is in Brazil and India. However, the demand for the fruit is increasing. 

Currently, most fruit products are made in the home (JANICK, VAN WYK, LOVE, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh after picking. To reduce the resinous flavor, the 
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fruit is cut open, the seeds are removed, the fruit is sprinkled with sugar, and it is chilled for 2 to 3 

hours. Fruit is also used fresh in fruit salads and processed into jellies, jams, pickles, juices, candies, 

ice cream, sorbets, marmalade, syrup, vinegar and wine; preserved whole in syrup. Fruit is placed in 

pies, chutneys, sauces, curries, puddings, custards, relish, and distilled liquor (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, VAN WYK, LOVE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is low in sugar; good source of carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and 

iodine. The fruit contains a large quantity of antioxidants including lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, 

gamma-carotene, and rubixanthin. Seeds are toxic (JANICK, VAN WYK, LOVE).

f. Medicinal aspects: In Brazil, a leaf infusion is made to aid stomach ailments and reduce fevers; 

used as an astringent. In Surinam, leaf decoctions are taken as a cold remedy and fever reducer. 

Leaves produce essential oils (LOVE).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, California and Florida as a small bush-like tree or hedge; naturalized in the 

Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico, Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; yields of trees in Hawaii have 

varied from 2.7 kilograms (6 pounds) from a 4-year-old tree to 11 kilograms (24 pounds) from a 6 meter

(20-foot) untrimmed wild tree. Average yields range from 2.7 to 3.6 kilograms (6 to 8 pounds) per plant per 

year (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK, FLEPPC, LOVE).

5. Other production regions: South America including Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, 

Paraguay, Uruguay, Surinam, Guyana and French Guiana; Southeast Asia, southern China, along the 

Atlantic coast of Central America, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Israel, Italy; cultivated elsewhere in the 

tropics; naturalized in South Africa, Australia, and the West Indies. In India, the yield is approximately 2.7 

to 3.6 kilograms (6 to 8 pounds) per plant. The highest yield was recorded in Israel and was 11 kilograms (24 

pounds) from one untrimmed plant. The approximate yield from a Brazilian test plot was 7 kilograms (15.4 

pounds) per tree per year. Some plants produce up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of fruit per year (GRIN, 

JANICK, VAN WYK, LOVE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

6. Use: consumed as fresh fruit; jams, jelly, relish, pickles or sherbet; grown in plantations; grown as an 

ornamental or hedge plant; medicinal purposes, weed (potential seed contaminant); invasive species; leaves 

are spread over floors of Brazilian homes to repel flies; bark contains tannin and can be used for treating 

leather; flowers are a source of pollen for bees (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, VAN WYK, LOVE, 

MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (GRIN).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 005 (FT 0311) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, LOVE, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, FLEPPC.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: EUEUN
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599

1. Tamarind [(Indian date, Indian tamarind, kilytree, tamarin, tamarindier, tamariner, Tamarinde, 

Tamarindenbaum, tamarindeiro, tâmara-da-Índia, tamarinda, tamarindo-do-Egito, tamarino, tamarindo (GRIN, 

MARKLE))]

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae); also placed in: Caesalpiniaceae

Tamarindus indica L.

2. A large, compact, semi-deciduous, slow-growing, graceful tree that reaches a height of 10 to 30 meters (33 

to 98 feet). Native to Tropical Central Africa. Trees have a deep extensive root system with a long taproot. 

Sapwood is light yellow and moderately soft. Heartwood is dark, purplish-brown, hard and heavy. The 

trunk is short, stout, and up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) in diameter. Trees are often multistemmed. Branches are 

strong, symmetrical, pliable, and drooping at the ends. Bark is light grey, dark grey or brown in color, 

strongly fissured, rough, and scaly on the trunk. Bark is smooth on the branches. When damaged, a 

blood-red gum exudes from the trunk and branches. The crown is large, deep-seated, spreading, and up to 12 

meters (39 feet) in diameter. Bluish green to bright green fine feathery leaves are alternate, thick, even, and 

pinnately compound with two terminal leaflets. The rachis is 7 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long. Each 

leaf contains 6 to 20 pairs of opposite leaflets that are narrowly oblong, unequal, entire, rounded to almost 

square, slightly notched at the tip with a tuft of yellow hairs, rounded at the base, pale underneath, and 1.2 to 

3.2 by 0.3 to 1.1centimeters (0.5 to 1.3 by 0.1 to 0.4 centimeters) in size. Leaves fold in at night. Small, 

short, drooping, branched inflorescence racemes are borne in the axils of the branches, are contained in 

groups of 5 to 10, and measure 5 to 13 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long. Individual flowers are 2 to 2.5 

centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) in diameter, showy, fragrant, and contain four unequal, ovate, pink, cream or pale 

yellow sepals (up to 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) long), 5 oblong, white, cream, pale yellow or pinkish 

(streaked with red, orange or yellow) petals (posterior and lateral petals are large and showy, anterior petals 

are reduced), a calyx, and both female and male reproductive organs. Flowers are cross-pollinated or 

self-pollinated. Cinnamon-brown, greyish-brown or light greyish fruit is a pendulous pod that occurs in 

clusters on new branches. Individual fruit is oblong, sausage-shaped, curved or straight with rounded ends, 

heavy, lumpy, flattish, bean-like, and 5 to 18 centimeters (2 to 7 inches) long by 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 

inch) wide by 2 to 3.2 centimeters (0.8 to 1.3 inch) in diameter. The mature shell (pod) is minutely scaly, 

rusty velvety, indehiscent, constricted between seeds, and brittle. Immature fruit contain tender shells with 

green, acid flesh and soft, whitish under-developed seeds. Blackish brown, dark golden, reddish brown or 

rosy brown pulp resembles dried dates, surrounds the seed cavities and is soft, firm, pasty, sticky, fibrous, 

thick and juicy. The flavor is sweet-sour. There are two main types of tamarind, those with sweet pulp and 

those with sour pulp. Each pod contains one to 12 seeds. Individual reddish or purplish brown seeds are 

enclosed by a parchment-like membrane, irregular in shape, flattened, rhomboid to obovoid, hard, shiny, and 

3 to 10 by 1.3 centimeters (1.2 to 4 by 0.5 inch) in size. Fruit has been consumed since ancient times 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, MORTON, CRFG, WINROCK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering can occur several times per year in some tropical locations. Flowering occurs 

from May to June in Florida, September to October in Brazil, summer in Central America and the 

West Indies and spring to summer in other locations. Two flowering periods occur in India and Sri 

Lanka. Fruit development occurs in the rainy season in many locations. Fruiting occurs in summer 

in Brazil, late spring to summer in California, late summer to fall in Hawaii, and April to June in 

Central America, Florida, and the West Indies. Fruit matures in 6 to 10 months. Fruit production 

occurs in 7 to 10 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from vegetative propagation. Trees can produce 

fruit for up to 200 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, LORENZI, MORTON, CRFG).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot subtropical to tropical lowlands or humid monsoonal climate, full sun, 

elevations of sea level to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet), a mean annual rainfall of 50 to 150 centimeters 

(20 to 59 inches), a dry period (for tamarind fruit development), a maximum annual temperature of 

33 to 37 °C (91 to 99 °F), a minimum annual temperature of 9.5 to 20 °C (49 to 68 °F), and fertile, 

deep, well-drained, slightly acid loamy to alluvial soils. An easily managed tree. Grown in the sub-
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and semi-arid tropics, stream banks, and dry coastal plains. Thrives in USDA zones 10 to 12. 

Tolerates a variety of well-drained soils (sandy soil, clay loam, rocky soils, saline soils, calcareous 

soils, sodic soils). Large, mature trees are tolerant of frost as low as -3 °C (27 °F), and high 

temperatures of up to 47 °C (117 °F). Propagation is by seed, layering, cuttings, budding, grafting, 

and micropropagation. Most plants are grown by seed. Seeds remain viable for 6 months to several 

years when kept in proper storage conditions. Seeds should be planted 1.3 centimeters (1⁄2 inch) 

deep. Germination occurs in 7 to 25 days. Germination rate is 30 to 92 percent. Soaking seed in 

cold water and scarifying the seed coat can increase germination percentage. Vegetative 

propagation can result in good genetic quality, a younger bearing age, and a smaller tree height. 

After trees reach a height of 80 centimeters (31.5 inches), transplanting should occur during the 

rainy season. Spacing should be 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet) between trees. Young trees should 

be pruned to establish the framework of the tree. Mature trees should be pruned to remove dead and 

weak branches. Fertilizer can aid growth. Trees can be intercropped. Fruit are hand-harvested 

when fully mature and the moisture content is reduced to to approximately 20 percent. Fruit 

maturity is determined by tapping the fruit and listening for a hollow, loose sound. Fruit mature at 

different times on the same tree, therefore selective harvesting must be done. In some countries, 

fruit are harvested at a green stage (flavoring), and a ripe stage (fresh consumption and processing). 

Unharvested fruit fall from the tree a year after flowering. There are a number of different 

processing techniques involved with the tamarind. Fresh fruit can be dried using dehydrators or the 

sun. Shells, fibers, and seeds are removed and the pulp is pressed and preserved in large masses. In 

eastern India, pulp is covered with salt, rolled into balls, exposed to dew, and stored in jars. In Java, 

the salted pulp is rolled into balls, steamed, and sun dried, and exposed to dew for a week before 

packing in stone jars. In some countries, tamarind is processed for shipment to large-scale 

processors by layering the pulp with sugar and covering it with boiling sugar syrup. There are also 

mechanical methods of extracting pulp, including a tamarind dehuller. Pulp is most often stored by 

mixing with salt and storing in transparent containers. Pulp can be stored in a cool, dry area for 3 to 

6 months. Fresh fruit can be stored for a few days in a refrigerator or freezer or packed in 

high-density polyethylene bags in a dry place below 10 °C (50 °F) for 4 to 6 months. Tamarind 

production is expanding. Grows wild and is widely cultivated around the world, most notably in 

India, Puerto Rico, and Thailand (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, LORENZI, CRFG).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is marketed worldwide fresh and in sauces, syrups, and 

processed foods. Pulp is sold in shops and bazaars by weight. Seeds are sold in markets in Thailand 

(JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh, dried, candied, and in beverages; used as a 

flavoring in foods and sauces including English Worcestershire sauce, barbeque sauce, and 

Angostura Bitters. Pulp is widely used as an ingredient in confectionary items, sauces, syrups, 

jellies, ice cream, curries, chutneys, preserves, wine, condiments, sweetmeats, spice mixtures, jams, 

fruit purées, vegetable purées, pickles, sherbets, and beverages. In Sri Lanka, fruit can be used to 

preserve fish; used as a garnish in soups and other dishes. Green fruit are used for flavoring 

purposes. The tender immature pods are eaten as a vegetable, cooked, or pickled; cooked as a 

seasoning with rice, fish, and meats in India. In the Bahamas, mature, but unripe fruit are roasted in 

coals and the pulp is eaten. The seeds are cooked (roasted, soaked to remove the seedcoat and boiled 

or fried) and consumed. Seeds can be ground into flour or used as a coffee substitute. Kernels can 

be used to make a type of pectin that is used in the manufacture of jellies and stabilization of foods. 

Pods are easily broken if pressed. Flowers, seedlings, and young leaves are consumed in salads, 

curries and soups (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, MORTON).
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e. Nutritional aspects: Pulp is a good source of calories, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, 

niacin, thiamine, minerals, B complex vitamins, and vitamin C. Pulp contains the richest natural 

source of tartaric acid of any fruit; pulp also contains acetic and citric acids, alcohol, pectin, and 

sucrose. The peel of young fruits contains a higher amount of vitamin C than mature fruit peels. 

The seeds are a rich source of protein with a favorable amino acid composition (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: The tree produces many valued medicines. Ripe fruit especially has a 

recognized and proven medicinal value. The American pharmacedtical industry processes 100 

tonnes (110 tons) of tamarind pulp each year. Fruit is used to reduce fever, aid sore throats and 

arthritis, treat sunstroke, aid leprosy, paralysis, and poisonings, and cure intestinal ailments and 

scurvy; pulp is used as an astringent on skin infections. It is an ingredient in cardiac and blood 

sugar-reducing medicines. A tea of young leaves and/or flowers is used to heal irritations, swollen 

joints, sprains, boils, and skin eruptions. Lotions made from the tree are used to remove intestinal 

worms, and treat pink-eye, dysentery, jaundice, hemorrhoids and other ailments. The bark is used as 

an astringent, tonic, digestive aid, and cure for gingivitis, asthma, eye problems, and fevers. 

Powdered seeds are used to aid diarrhea. Roots are taken to ease chest pain. Pectin from the seed 

kernel is used in pharmaceutical products (JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: New Mexico, Florida, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico. For the most part, tamarind 

production is of minor importance in the US (MARKLE, VAN WYK, CRFG). 

5. Other commercial production regions: The Caribbean including Bermuda, Jamaica, Haiti, Grenada, Cuba, 

the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas; Central America including Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Panama, 

and Costa Rica; South America including Brazil; India; Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaya, 

Malaysia, and Indonesia; tropical Africa including Madagascar, Cape Verde, Sudan and central and east 

Africa; Fiji, Australia, the Middle East; Egypt, Yemen, the Greater Antilles; East Indies; Islands of the 

Pacific; other tropical and subtropical countries. There are no statistical records on tamarind. However, it is 

known that 95 percent of total world production is the sour type tamarind. India is the largest producer of 

sour tamarind in Asia; annual production in India is estimated at 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes (275,578 to 

330,693 tons). Tamarind kernel powder is in demand and approximately 20,000 tonnes (22,046 tons) are 

produced annually in India. Thailand is the second largest producer of tamarind in Asia; Thailand produces 

30 percent of the sweet type, and also produces the sour type. Each tree can produce approximately 90 

kilograms (198 pounds) of purified pulp (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, MORTON, 

WINROCK).

6. Use: The young seedlings, tender leaves and flowers can be used as a salad crop; immature pods can be 

used as a seasoning; the pulp is an important ingredient in Worcestershire and barbecue sauces. The pulp 

can also be used in drinks, preserves and in meat sauces. Overripe fruit is used to clean copper and brass. 

Seeds are consumed after cooking or can be ground or used to make a type of pectin. Dried leaves, flowers 

and pods are used as mordants in dyeing; yellow dye is obtained from the leaves; pulp is used in dyeing and 

to coagulate rubber latex; ornamental; shade/shelter, windbreak, prevents soil erosion; wood for tools, fuel 

and charcoal; beads, medicinal purposes; seeds can be used as a substitute in livestock feed; side branches of 

the tree and leaves are used as livestock fodder; leaves are consumed by silkworms; honey plant; powder 

from tamarind kernels is used in sizing and finishing cotton and has many other industrial purposes; oil from 

the seed is used in varnish; bark and twigs are used for twine and tanning (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, 

BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Every part of the tree can be utilized, however and pulp and seeds are most 

often used part.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0369) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, 

MORTON, CRFG, WINROCK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: TAMIN
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1. Uvalha [(uvaia, jamboisier rouge, Kirschmyrte, perita costeña (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Eugenia pyriformis Cambess. [(syn: Eugenia uvalha Cambess.)]

Eugenia pyriformis Cambess. var. pyriformis 

Eugenia pyriformis Cambess. var. uvalha (Cambess.) D. Legrand [(syn: Eugenia uvalha Cambess.

(basionym) (GRIN))]

2. An evergreen shrub or tree growing to a height of 8 meters (26 feet). Native to Southern Brazil. Leaves 

are oblong to obtuse in shape and are aromatic when crushed. Yellow to orange fruit is round to oblate in 

shape, 1 to 5 centimeters (0.4 to 2 inches) in diameter and weighs 8.5 grams (0.3 ounce). Remnants of the 

calyx are found at the apex of the fruit. The skin is thin and smooth. Pulp is soft and juicy. The flavor is 

sweet, bland or very acidic. The fruit can emit an unpleasant odor. Related to Eugenia uniflora

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, POPENOE, HAWAIIFRUIT).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from March to May and fruit are harvested from May to July in Florida. 

Fruit matures in 60 days. Fruit production occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

POPENOE, HAWAIIFRUIT).

b. Cultivation: Requires tropical or warm subtropical climates with low to medium rainfall. 

Tolerant of light frost and drought. Propagation is by seed. Fertilization and irrigation aid fruit 

quality. Fruit should be harvested when ripe. Fruit is processed commercially by small growers in 

rural areas in Brazil (PERENNIAL).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Processed commercially (HAWAIIIFRUIT).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; processed into juice and jelly; used as a 

flavoring in alcoholic beverages (PERENNIAL).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit has a moderate vitamin C content (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (PERENNIAL).

5. Other production regions: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay; introduced elsewhere; no yield data is available

(GRIN, PERENNIAL).

6. Use: Beverage base, fruit, ornamental (GRIN, JANICK, HAWAIIFRUIT).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, POPENOE, HAWAIIFRUIT.

11. Production Map: No specific entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: EUEUV (listed as Eugenia uvalha CAMBESS.)
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1. Water apple [(watery rose-apple, bellfruit, jambo ayer, Wasserjambuse, jambu air, perita costeña, tambis

(GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Syzygium aqueum (Burm. f.) Alston [(syn: Eugenia aquea Burm. f. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A small to medium sized tree growing to a height of 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 feet). Native to India through 

Malaysia. The trunk branches close to the ground; it is short, crooked, and reaches 30 to 60 centimeters (12 

to 24 inches) in diameter. Bark is red, brown or dark grey in color, smooth or slightly rough, and fissured,

scaly or flaky. The crown is non-symmetrical and open. Dull, leathery, light-green leaves are opposite,

simple, elliptic-oblong, elliptic-cordate or obovate-oblong in shape, cordate at the base, blunt and notched or 

short-pointed at the apex, yellowish-green on the underside, and 5 to 25 centimeters (2 to 10 inches) long by 

2.5 to 16 centimeters (1 to 6 inches) wide. The short, thick leafstalk is 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters (0.2 to 0.6 inch)

long. Leaves are slightly aromatic when crushed. Slightly fragrant pale-yellow, yellowish-white, pinkish or

white flowers are borne in loose terminal or axillary clusters of 3 to 7. Each flower measures 2.5 to 3.5 

centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) in diameter, contains a 4-parted calyx, 4 petals, numerous 2 centimeter long 

stamens and a long style. Flowers are hairless, and petals connate in a cap. Male and female organs are 

located on the same flower. Green, white, light red or pink berry fruit is pear-shaped, grows solitary on the 

tree, and measures 1.6 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) long and 3.5 to 4.5 centimeters (1.4 to 1.8 inches) in 

diameter. The apex is concave; thick calyx segments and a protruding, slender bristle-like style is found on

each fruit. The skin is thin and shiny. Pulp is white to pink in color, dry or juicy, and crisp or spongy. Fruit 

may be seedless or contain 1 to 6 small seeds. The flavor is slightly sweet to bland; fruit may be mildly 

fragrant; mainly used to relieve thirst. The two main cultivars are the white-fruited and the red-fruited

cultivars (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, PNGPLANTS, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Main flowering occurs May to July in Florida and can occur during other seasons. In 

Indonesia, flowering occurs in July and September. Flowering usually occurs during the early or 

late portion of the dry season. Fruit matures in 30 to 40 days. In Malaya, the two main crops are in 

the spring and the fall. In Indonesia, ripening occurs in August and November. Fruit production 

occurs in 7 to 8 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from layers (PERENNIAL, MORTON, 

AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands with light, well-drained mildly acid soils. 

Prefers a long dry season, elevations up to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) and well-spaced rainfall. 

Planted along streams and ponds. Tolerant of heavy soils. Not tolerant of temperatures below 

freezing. Propagation is by seed, air-layering, cuttings, or budding. Seeds lose viability quickly and 

should be planted fresh from the fruit. Trees are spaced 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet) apart. During 

the first couple of years, trees should be weeded, mulched, fertilized and watered. Fertilizers should 

be applied after harvest and flowering. Cultivated in India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. Due to 

the thin skin, fruit are delicate and must be picked by hand twice per week. Shelf life is only a few 

days (PERENNIAL, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in markets in piles or skewered on slender bamboo 

sticks in Indonesia. Fruit are almost available the entire year. Export is limited to border trade 

including Singapore (MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh, served in salads, cooked, stewed or pickled; 

mainly consumed by children. Young leaves are used to wrap snacks of fermented sticky rice

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, FAO).

e. Nutritional aspects: Low in nutritional value; 90% water (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: In Hawaii, a decoction of the bark is used to treat thrush; various parts of the 

tree possess antibiotic activity (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand,
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Taiwan, region of Malesia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea), the Philippines, Australia, Pacific 

Islands, Central and South America, Trinidad; cultivated elsewhere in tropical Asia; introduced into the 

Tropics; no yield data is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, PNGPLANTS, AGROFORESTRY, 

FAO).

6. Use: Fruit, home gardens, wood is used for construction or handicrafts, flowers are a source of nectar;

some parts of the tree contain tannin that is used for dyeing (GRIN, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (AGROFORESTRY).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, FAO, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, PNGPLANTS, 

AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SYZAQ
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1. Water Pear [(waterpeer, white umdoni (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. [(Calyptranthes guineensis Willd. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A medium to large evergreen shrub or tree growing 12 to 30 meters (39 to 98 feet) in height. Native to 

tropical Africa. The crown is rounded, heavy, and drooping. The stems are thick and angular. Bark is 

grayish-white or silver mottled and smooth in young trees. Older trees contain bark that is rough, flaky, and 

creamy, light grey, dark brown, or black in color. Bark scales are in rectangular flakes and exude red, watery 

sap when cut. The wood resembles that of a pear. Branchlets droop. Trees may produce bundles of fibrous 

aerial roots 2 meters (7 feet) up the trunk. Grey-green leaves are simple, opposite, leathery, glabrous, tough, 

shiny, elliptic, lanceolate, or ovate-elliptic in shape, narrow at both ends, and 5 to 17.5 centimeters (2 to 7 

inches) long by 1.3 to 7.5 centimeters (0.5 to 3 inches) wide. Most leaves contain slightly wavy margins; 

aromatic when crushed. Fragrant, creamy white flowers are borne in terminal panicles measuring 10 by 10 

centimeters (4 by 4 inches); flowers may also be borne in widely-spaced clusters of 4 to 8 inch branched 

heads, measuring up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) in diameter. Individual flowers are sessile or sub-sessile, 

measure 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) in diameter, and contain 4 petals, red or pink calyx tips, and numerous 0.6 

centimeter (0.2 inch) long stamens. Petals fall in a short period of time, leaving behind the showy white 

stamens. Pollination is by insects. Black to purplish-black fruit is an oval, oblong, or ellipsoid drupe. Fruit 

occur in bunches of 20 to 30, and measure 1 to 3.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1.4 inches) long by 3 centimeters (1.2 

inch) in diameter. The skin is smooth and shiny. Immature fruit is whitish-green. Each fruit contains 1 

yellowish to brownish round seed measuring 1.3 to 1.4 centimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inch) in diameter 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, BIODIVERSITY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In areas with two rainy seasons, flowering occurs twice, once during the short dry season 

and once at the end of the long rains. In areas with one rainy season, flowering occurs once, at the 

end of the dry season and extending into the rainy season. In some areas, flowering occurs 

September to December. Fruit ripen from February to May in some locations and October to June in 

other locations (AGROFORESTRY, FAO, BIODIVERSITY).

b. Cultivation: Requires a tropical climate, fresh, permanently moist, well-drained areas with a high 

water table, full sun, mean annual temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), and mean 

annual rainfall of 100 to 230 centimeters (39 to 91 inches). Thrives at elevations of 0 to 2,100 

meters (0 to 6,890 feet). Found growing along stream banks, valleys, gullies or streambeds, 

floodplains, lowland and mountain rainforests, fringing riverian swampy forests, rocky ground in 

high rainfall savannah, open woodlands, and the shore. Grows in standing water. Propagation is by 

seed and coppice. Seeds should be planted in moist mineral soil in pots soon after being removed 

from the fruit. Germination of 80 to 90% is attained after 20 to 50 days. Trees should be planted on 

cleared sites. Fruit should be harvested by shaking the branches with hooks. S. guineense may 

interbreed with other species in the genus (PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, 

BIODIVERSITY).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry; gathered and eaten (AGROFORESTRY). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; made into beverages. Fruits are especially 

consumed by children (PERENNIAL, FAO). 

e. Nutritional aspects: The bark is poisonous and has been known to cause death in humans 

(AGROFORESTRY). 

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is used to treat dysentery; a decoction of the bark is used to treat diarrhea; 

liquid from the pounded bark and roots mixed with water is used as a purgative 

(AGROFORESTRY). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Northeast tropical Africa, east tropical Africa, west-central tropical Africa, 

west tropical Africa, south tropical Africa, southern Africa, Arabian Peninsula (Yemen); no yield data is 

available (GRIN). 
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6. Use: Fruit, wood for poles, posts, building and bridge construction; firewood, charcoal; smoke from the

wood is used to season milk containers; ornamental; source of shade and shelter (AGROFORESTRY). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (AGROFORESTRY).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, BIODIVERSITY, 

FAO.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SYZGU
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1. Water Berry [(umdoni, waterbessie, watertree, waterwood (GRIN))]

Myrtaceae

Syzygium cordatum Hochst. Ex C. Krauss

2. A small to medium-sized evergreen tree that grows to a height of 8 to 20 meters (26 to 66 feet). Native to 

Africa. The tree contains a compact and rounded crown. Young stems are four-angled and slightly winged. 

Young trunks contain bands; bark of young trees is smooth and blotched with grey and white. Bark of

mature trees is dark brown, light grey or reddish in color, rough, flaking and thick. The foliage is dense. 

Bluish-green leaves are simple, thick, leathery, smooth, glossy, elliptic, lanceolate-elliptic, oblong-elliptic,

oblong, oval, or circular in shape, heart-shaped at the base, rounded to subacute at the apex, pale green on the 

underside, and 2.5 to 13 centimeters (1 to 5 inches) long by 1.9 to 8 centimeters (0.7 to 3 inches) wide. 

Young leaves are reddish in color. Leaves are found close to the ends of the branches and pairs of leaves are 

set at right angles to each other. The petiole is up to 0.2 centimeter (0.08 inch) long. Creamy white to 

pinkish fragrant flowers are borne in branched terminal clusters. Each flower contains numerous fluffy 

stamens and produces a large quantity of nectar. Red, pink-purple or dark-purple fruit are oval berries that 

measure up to 1.8 centimeters (0.6 inch) long and 0.9 centimeters (0.4 inch) wide. The skin is smooth. The 

pulp is crisp, crunchy and acidic. The flavor is sour and each fruit contains one seed (JANICK, TRADE 

WINDS, ALUKA, ECOCROP, ZIMBABWEFLORA, BIODIVERSITY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering time varies and occurs in June, September to October, August to November, 

or August to January. Fruiting varies and can occur in August, October, and December. Fruiting 

can occur while the tree is still flowering (JANICK, ZIMBABWEFLORA, BIODIVERSITY).

b. Cultivation: The tree prefers subtropical to warm-temperate climates, lowlands, medium to high 

elevation (10 to 1,660 meters or 33 to 5,446 feet) forests, full sun, and locations near water and along 

watercourses. Grows along stream banks, swampy areas, riverine thickets, forest margins, moist 

gullies in montane forest, seasonally waterlogged grasslands, sandy coastal plains and bush or open 

grassy and sometimes high country. Tolerates cold, but not tolerant of frost. Propagated by seed. 

Germination is aided by pre-treating the seed with a pre-emergence fungicide to prevent dampening 

off. Seeds should be placed in a seed tray and covered with a thin layer of well-drained soil. Regular 

watering, fertilization and good ventilation are needed. Once large enough, seedlings should be 

potted into individual plant bags or pots (JANICK, PLANTZAFRICA, TRADE WINDS, ALUKA, 

ZIMBABWEFLORA, ECOCROP).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are consumed fresh; used to make alcoholic drinks and jelly

(PLANTZAFRICA, ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: In central Africa, the tree is used to treat stomachaches, diarrhea, respiratory 

ailments and tuberculosis; a decoction of boiled roots and bark is used to treat indigestion and 

giddiness; extraction of the leaves is used as a purgative or treatment for diarrhea 

(PLANTZAFRICA, ECOCROP).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: East tropical Africa, west-central tropical Africa, south tropical Africa, 

southern Africa; no yield data is available (GRIN). 

6. Use: Fruit, habitat and food source for native birds and other animals; bark is extracted for dye; powdered 

bark is used as a fish poison; wood is used for making mortars and fence poles; construction

material for boat planking; firewood, charcoal; leaves are used as fodder; the tree is used for erosion control; 

shade tree; ornamental; living fence; the tree is used as an indicator of underground water and an indicator of 

areas suitable for sugarcane farming; protected species in South Africa (JANICK, PLANTZAFRICA, 

ALUKA, BIODIVERSITY, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
Page	

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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, TRADE WINDS, ALUKA, ECOCROP, 

ZIMBABWEFLORA, BIODIVERSITY, PLANTZAFRICA

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
Page	

183

649

1. Wax jambu [(Wax apple, Water apple, Jumrool, Java-apple, Semarang rose-apple, Java-Apfel, cajuil de 

Surinam, makopa (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Myrtaceae

Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M. Perry [(syn: Eugenia javanica Lam., Myrtus

samarangensis Blume (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A large evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 5 to 15 meters (16 to 49 feet) tall. Native from 

Malaysia to southeastern Asia. The crown is open, wide and spreading. The trunk is short and 25 to 30 

centimeters (10 to 12 inches) thick. Bark is pinkish-grey and flaking. Yellowish to dark bluish-green leaves 

are opposite, leathery, nearly sessile, elliptic-oblong, rounded or slightly cordate in shape at the base,

aromatic when crushed and 10 to 25 centimeters (4 to 10 inches) long by 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches)

wide. Inflorescences are in drooping panicles of 3 to 30 and are borne at the branch tips or in small clusters 

in the axils of fallen leaves. Fragrant, yellowish white, white or pinkish flowers are four-petalled, contain 

numerous 1.5 to 2.5 centimeter (0.6 to 1 inch) long stamens, and measure 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 

inches) wide. Greenish-white, yellow, creamy white, light red, crimson, or pink fruit is pear shaped, narrow 

at the base, broad, flattened and indented at the apex with four fleshy calyx lobes, thick, 0.3 centimeter (0.1 

inch) long leaf stalks, and a 1.5 centimeter (0.6 inch) long calyx. Each fruit measures 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 

to 2 inches) long by 4.5 to 5 centimeters (1.8 to 2 inches) wide. The skin is very thin and waxy. Pulp is white 

in color, spongy, dry or juicy. The flavor is sweet to bland. Each fruit may be seedless or contain 1 to 2 

rounded seeds measuring 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) wide. Fruit have been collected since ancient times. 

Taiwan and Thailand have an extensive commercial industry of wax jambu production (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, MORTON, VAN WYK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Main flowering occurs from April to June in Florida and Java, and March to April in 

India; flowering can occur during other seasons. A dry season is required for flowering. Fruit are 

harvested from May to July in Hawaii, March to May in Sri Lanka, May to June in India, and June to 

August in Java. Production systems in Taiwan allow for fruit to be harvested during different times 

of the year. With the regular system, fruit are harvested from May to July; simple flower forcing 

enables fruit to be harvested February to July; improved flower forcing allows fruit to be harvested 

December to July; the bald cut system and the bald cut plus shading system enables fruit to be 

harvested from December to February. Fruit are harvested 1 to 3 times per year. Fruit matures in 30 

to 40 days. Fruit production occurs in 5 to 6 years from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands, a short dry season, and elevations of sea level to 

1,200 meters (3,937 feet). Prefers fertile, heavy soil, rich in organic matter, with a loam to 

clay-loam texture. Grows wild in coastal forests. In subtropical climates, fruit harvested during the 

winter are best to eat. Tolerates a variety of soil conditions. Does not tolerate frost or high wind. 

Propagation is by seed, cuttings, budding, tissue culture, and air layering. Seeds should be removed 

from the fruit and immediately planted. Germination occurs in a short period of time. Trees should 

be spaced 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) apart in the field. Cultivated trees, especially in Taiwan, are 

pruned, thinned, root pruned, girdled, flooded, sprayed with flower and growth-inducing chemicals, 

irrigated and fertilized. Fertilization should be performed after the formation of the inflorescence. 

Light, temperature, and sugar affect fruit color. Cytokinins and gibberellic acid aid the size and 

quality of the fruit. Additional foliar applications of manganese and calcium aid the color and 

firmness of the fruit. The thin skin is delicate and easily damaged, so proper harvesting and 

handling must be practiced. Fruit should be harvested 2 to 3 times per week when the fruit is full of 

color and firm. Fruit are sorted for size and shape before being packed in single layer tray packs 

with padding. Fruit can be stored 4 to 6 days at ambient temperature (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Marketed in Asia, especially Malaysia (PERENNIAL, VAN 

WYK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh or preserved; processed into jams, jellies and 

preserves. Green fruit are consumed raw with salt or cooked as a sauce in Malaysia; stewed with 
Page	

184

apples. Pink fruit are juicier, more flavorful, consumed fresh, or cooked without spices except for 

sugar. Salt or sugar is added to bland fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are between 80 and 90% water; fruit contain a fair amount of vitamin C

(JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Flowers are astringent and contain tannins; used in Taiwan to reduce fevers 

and aid diarrhea. Flowers also contain weak antibiotic action (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; 0.4 hectare (1 acre) in Florida (CRANE 1995, FACCIOLA).

5. Other production regions: Tropical Asia, southeast Asia, Malaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands,

Solomon Islands, Jamaica, Surinam, the islands of Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, 

Vietnam,; cultivated in India, Zanzibar, and Pemba; commercial production in the Philippines, Taiwan, 

Malaysia, Australia and Central and South America; cultivated elsewhere in the tropics; ornamental in Israel.

Mature trees yields from 700 to over 1,000 fruit; each fruit weighs 65 to 100 grams (2 to 4 ounces) (GRIN, 

FACCIOLA, PERENNIAL, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit eaten raw or cooked as a sauce or in a stew with true apples; also grown as an ornamental tree; 

wood is used for construction; flowers are a rich source of nectar (MARKLE, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = Wax jambu

10. References: CODEX, GRIN, BAYER, CRANE 1995a, CRANE 1995, FACCIOLA, MORTON,

MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SYZSA
Page	

185

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