Tropical Plant "Pequi"
Caryocar corianceum

Characteristics - Caryocar coriaceum is not a cultivated fruit bearer but occurs frequently in its natural habitat, the barren lands (cerrados) of the states of Tocantins, northern Goias, western Bahia, Piaui and southern Ceara. It is a semi-deciduous tree with fronds and a somewhat twisted trunk, 8-12 m tall. Leaves are compound, trifoliate with glabrous, coriaceous leaflets. Inflorescences in terminal racemes, with flowers of both sexes, form in August-September. The fruits are oblong or globose drupes, indehiscent, that ripen in November-December. They contain 1-4 seeds protected by a woody endocarp covered in rigid spines and a fleshy-creamy pulp that has a slightly sweet flavor.

Uses - The pulp of the fruit can be eaten ‘au naturel’ but is generally cooked in various ways before eating. The nut is also edible and equally as nutritious as the pulp plus providing medicinal oil.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.