Characteristics - The Cordiera elliptica is not a cultivated fruit bearer, and is very frequent in its natural habitat, the scrublands (savannas) throughout the country. Around 12 species, of this genus, exist in Brazil, with edible fruits, that are more or less similar, some of which, are addressed in this book. It is a semi-deciduous shrub, dimorphic, 1 -2 m tall. Leaves coriaceous, concolored and opaque on the superior surface, 5-11 cm long. Flowers are white,the females solitary, the males in axillary glomerules (photo on right) form in the spring. Fruits are black, globose berries, with a thin skin, a sweet, carnose pulp, containing many seeds; they mature at the end of spring and the beginning of the summer.

Uses - The fruits are generally consumed in natura and not greatly appreciated.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.