Hancornia speciosa Gomes

A medium sized tree. It grows 6-8 m high. It can be 15 m high. The trunk is twisted and 30 cm across. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are 3.5-10 cm long by 1.5-5 cm wide. The fruit is medium sized and red with a thin skin. It is 2.5-6 cm long. It has sweet flesh and one or more seeds. The seed are 1 cm across. The plant is variable and 6 varieties have been described.

It is a tropical plant. It grows in scrubland in central Brazil. It grows naturally in regions with average temperatures between 24-26°C. The rainfall is 1,400 mm per year. It can grow in the temperature range of 15-43°C. It grows in sandy soils.

The ripe fruit is eaten fresh. They are also made into juice, preserves, drinks, pudding and wine. It is made into marmalade and ice cream

Plants are grown from seed. The seeds from ripe fruit are removed and dried in the shade then planted. Seeds are slow to germinate and only a few grow. It is best to use fresh seeds.