Tropical Plant "Caja-redondo"
Spondias macrocarpa

Characteristics - The caja redondo is a fruit tree, native to the lower, sandy plateaus of the Atlantic Forest in Espirito Santo, the forest zone of Minas Gerais and southern Bahia. It is not under cultivation and is of rare occurence in nature. It is a deciduous tree, 8-14 m tall with a trunk diameter of 30-50 cm. Leaves odd pinnately compound, 15-30 cm long, leaflets chartaceous and aromatic, glabrous on both surfaces, of 5-9 cm long. Inflorescences in large terminal panicles, with small, white, bisexual, scented flowers, form during the months of October and November. Fruits are globose or ovoid drupes,with an irregular surface and thin skin. The pulp is fibrous with acidic flavor. They ripen during the months of February and March.

Uses - The fruits, succulent and with an acidic flavor, are consumed locally, in their natural state and in the form of juices and sorbets.

Propagation - Propagated mainly from seeds, which should be planted when fresh.