Tropical Plant "Puca"
Mouriripusa Gardner

Characteristics - Mouriripusa is not a cultivated fruit tree, nor is it frequent in its natural habitat, the scrublands and rocky, sandy areas from southern Para, the northeast and central Brazil to Minas Gerais. It is a semi -deciduous tree, 4-8 m tall with a sparse crown. Leaves subcoriaceous, 3-6 cm long with lateral nerves that are almost invisible. Flowers are white and fragrant, arranged in small clusters along the length of the woody branches, in areas where leaves are not present, as well as on the main trunk. They form between July and September. The fruits ripen from March to June and are of the berry- type, globose or oblong, with a thin skin. They contain 1-4 seeds covered in a succulent, sweet, pleasant tasting pulp.

Uses - Fruits are consumed only in their natural state and are greatly appreciated, locally.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.