Tropical Plant "Marmelinho"
Diospyros inconstans

Characteristics - Diospyros inconstans is a rarely cultivated fruit tree and is not frequent in nature. Native to the high altitude forests and the Atlantic Forest from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul, it is an evergreen tree, 6-9 m tall with a somewhat crooked trunk. Leaves are simple, subcoriaceous, glabrous and shiny on the upper surface, from 4-8 cm long. Flowers are unisexual, axillary, solitary or in groups of 2-3, quasi-sessile with a greenish corolla, they form during the months of September – November. Fruits are drupes, with 3-6 seeds, surrounded by a thin mucilaginous pulp with a sweet, pleasant flavor. They ripen during the summer.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state but are not widely appreciated.

Propagation - Propagated exclsively by seeds.