Tropical Plant "Fruta-de-ema"
Parinari obtusifolia

Characteristics - The Parinari obtusifolia is not a cultivated species, but it is found in its natural habitat, on Brazil's central plateau, in the scrubland vegetation. It is an erect shrub, deciduous, from 0.3-3.0 m tall, new branches are tomentose. Leaves coriaceous, glabrous or ferruginous pubescent, on the superior surface, and dense, white lanate, on the inferior surface, 5-10 cm long, with very short petioles, that have two sessile glands ,on their midportion. Inflorescences in axillary or terminal panicles, ferruginous or brown pubescence, with androgynous, white flowers, form in the spring. The fruits are oblong drupes, with a thick, carnose mesocarp (pulp), and a pleasant, sweet flavor; they ripen during the months of November and December.

Uses - The fruits are consumed exclusively in natura, but are not greatly appreciated.

Propagation -They are mainly propagated ivith seeds.