Tropical Plant "Bakuri"
Platonia insignis

Characteristics - The bakuri is a fruit tree occasionally cultivated and easily found in its natural habitat, the seasonally flooded Amazon Rainforest, particularly in the Lower Amazon region and on Marajo Island. It is an evergreen, with a narrow crown, 15-30 m tall with a generally, rectilinear trunk, 60-80 cm in diameter. Leaves simple, coriaceous, glabrous, 8-14 cm long. Flowers arc usually solitary, terminal, of both sexes, forming during the period from June to September. Fruits are large berries, with 2-5 seeds, enveloped by a thin, aromatic pulp with a sweet- acidic flavor that is quite pleasant. They ripen during the summer.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state as well as in ice creams and milkshakes. This is one of the most popular fruits in the Amazon region.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds as well as by grafting.