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Matisia cordata Bonpl.
| Family Name: | Malvaceae |
| Synonyms: | Quararibea cordata (Bonpl.) Vischer |
| Common Name: | South American Sapote, Chupa Chupa, Matisia |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Big (>30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 40 m to 45 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Brazil, Peru, Ecuador |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large tree up to 46 m tall in the wild, but up to 12 m in cultivation. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Large, heart-shaped leaves are smooth and glossy (15-30 cm long, 15-30 cm wide). They have a long petiole. |
| Stems | The branches are arranged in layers with each layer composed of a whorl of 5 branches. |
| Flowers | Golden or pink, egg-shaped flower buds are arranged in dense clusters that are directly attached to the branches. |
| Fruit | Round fruits are crowned with a circular cap and beaked at the tip. The skin is light brown and furry, while the fleshy, edible pulp is bright orange, sweet and juicy. Some trees produce fleshy fruits, while others produce fibrous fruits. The fruit is ripe when the edge of its crown (technically known as the calyx) becomes lighter in colour. |
| Habitat | The trees naturally occur on moist soils in rainforests. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The fruits are widely consumed in South America, but seldom seen in other parts of the world. |
Landscaping Features
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Grafting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Cordate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Cordate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Cauliflorous |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30118 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4427 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |