Tropical Plant "Taiuva"
Maclura tinctoria

Characteristics - Maclura tinctoria is not a cultivated fruit tree however it is still frequent in nature in its natural habitat, all of the Brazilian territory except in the Pine Forests. It is a thorny tree, dimorphic, deciduous, 15-30 m tall with yellow latex present in all its parts. Leaves are subcoriaceous, lighter in color on the inferior surface, with prominent nerves, 8-15 cm long. Inflorescences on the male plants are long pendulous spikes and on the female plant, globular. Both have discreet green flowers that form in September – October. Fruits are compound (infructescences), oblong with a green tuberculate surface. They ripen from December to January and have a succulent sweet tasting pulp.

Uses - The fruits are consumed only in their natural state and are not greatly appreciated.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.