Flolape

imbu

Spondias tuberosa Arruda
imbu
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Spondias tuberosa, known as imbu, is a deciduous tree native to the Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is distinguished by its tuberous roots and broad, weeping crown. The tree produces small, round, juicy fruits with a sweet flavor and distinct aroma. It is valued for its edible fruit and is sometimes cultivated in local areas.

Description

Spondias tuberosa is a hermaphroditic tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 11.5 to 41 cm. The tree has a broad, expansive crown that often exceeds its height, and its outer branches may droop and root in the ground. The bark is gray with wavy fissures and is shed in rectangular plates. The leaves are plicate and vary in shape from broadly elliptic to ovate, with the terminal leaflet being obovate to elliptic. The tree is often deciduous and has two types of trichomes: long, curved white hairs and shorter, erect hairs.

Habitat

Spondias tuberosa is native to the Caatinga, a semi-arid, scrubland region in northeastern Brazil. It is adapted to dry conditions and is commonly found in open, rocky areas and scrublands. The species is also present in the Southeast of Brazil and is occasionally cultivated in local areas for its fruit.

Cultivation

Spondias tuberosa is sometimes cultivated in the regions where it is native, particularly for its fruit. The tree is relatively hardy and can thrive in dry, rocky soils. It is often propagated through seeds, and its growth is influenced by local climatic conditions. Cultivated specimens may differ slightly in fruit size and shape from wild populations.

Uses

The primary use of Spondias tuberosa is for its edible fruit, which is consumed fresh or used in the production of juices, jams, and other food products. The fruit has a sweet flavor and a distinct aroma, making it a popular local delicacy. The tree is also valued for its ornamental qualities due to its broad, weeping crown. In some regions, the fruit is used in traditional medicine, though specific medicinal applications are not widely documented.

Other common names

imbu

Distribution

BR · Global · Brazil Northeast · Brazil Southeast

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