Tropical Plant "Nectarine"
Prunus persica

Characteristics - The nectarine is a temperate fruit bearer, that originated from a genetic mutation of the common peach (Prunus persica), that occurred in the USA; it was introduced to Brazil in the 1970’s, planted on the Plateau of Santa Catarina, today, it is widely cultivated, also being planted in other regions of the south and southeast. A deciduous tree, 4-6 m tall; depending on the cultivar, it requires between 400 and 600 hours of cold (<7.2C) per year, for adequate production. Leaves simple, chartaceous, glabrous, 8-13 cm long. Flowers solitary or grouped, androgynous, rose-colored, they form July to September. Fruits are smooth drupes, size and color variable, a carnose pulp, white, acidic, they mature from November to February. The photos show principal cultivars planted in the country. The ‘Sun Ripe’ cultivar is on this page.

Uses - The fruits are consumed exclusively in natura.

Propagation - By seeds and grafting.