Platonia insignis Mart.

A large tree. It grows 25-40 m tall. The trunk can be 1.5 m across. The trunk is straight. The branches are opposite and form a V shape. The leaves are opposite and shiny. The flowers are large and have pink petals. The fruit are 10-12 cm across. They have a thick rind. They are yellow to brown on the outside and have white flesh. The fruit is tart but sweet and edible. There are normally 2 seeds. Some fruit can have thin skins and some have no seeds.

It is a tropical plant. It grows in evergreen lowland forest. It suits hot humid conditions. In the Amazon it grows between 50-200 m altitude. It can grow in a range of soils including poorly drained soils. It needs moist soils. It can grow in poor soil and is best in sunny locations.

The aril or fleshy layer around the seeds is eaten fresh and used in desserts. It is also used in juices, yoghurt, jams and cakes, and ice creams. The skin of rind can be cooked and made into marmalade. They can also be used for juice.

Plants are grown from seeds. Seeds take 2 years to start to grow. Plants can be grown from root suckers near seeds, Plants can re-sprout from cut trees and also grow again after fire. A spacing of 4-8 m is suitable. Trees fruit better is a range of trees from different seed sources are grown together.