Characteristics - The mangaba is a fruit tree native to the scrublands (caatinga) and barren lands of central Brazil and to other states having the same type of vegetation. It is rarely cultivated but easily found in its native habitat. It is a small lactiferous, deciduous tree, 4 -7 m tall. Leaves are coriaceous and thick, a reddish color when young, glabrous on both surfaces, 7-10 cm long. Fragrant flowers on terminal fascicles form from September to November. Berry-type fruits contain a delicious succulent, viscous, sweet, aromatic pulp. They ripen from November to January. The plant is very variable, six botanical varieties have been described to date.

Uses - The fruits are eaten in their natural state but should be very ripe and soft (fallen in the ground) to be free of any latex or biterness. They are also used to make sherberts and juices.

Propagation - Propagation only with seeds, which will germinate easily though later growth is very slow and difficult.