Tropical Plant "Umbu-caja"
Spondias

Caracteristicas - The umbu caja is a native fruit tree, of unknown origin, and only found in cultivation in the transitional zone (Agreste) between the forest and the scrublands in the states of Bahia, Alagoas and Pernambuco. It is a deciduous tree, 6 -8 m tall, with a suberose trunk, 30 -40 cm in diameter. Leaves are compound pinnate, with 8-26 leaflets, membranous, glabrous and aromatic. Inflorescences in terminal panicles, 20-30 cm long, with white flowers of both sexes, form during the months of January and February. Fruits are globose or short ellipsoidal drupes with a thin skin and a succulent, fiberless pulp. The flavor is sweet and slightly acidic. They mature in the months of April - May.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state, usually in the form of juice or sorbets.

Propagation - Propagated only with stem cuttings. The seeds are sterile.