Poraqueiba sericea

Poraqueiba sericea (common name: umari) is a species of tree in the family Metteniusaceae. It is native to South America.[1]

Poraqueiba sericea
Branchlets of Poraqueiba sericea (left) and Poraqueiba guianensis (right)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Metteniusales
Family: Metteniusaceae
Genus: Poraqueiba
Species:
P. sericea
Binomial name
Poraqueiba sericea
Synonyms

Poraqueiba acuminata Miers

Description

P. sericea trees grow up to 30 m tall and 60 cm dbh.[2] Bark somewhat smooth or rough, dark brown or slightly purple.[2] Leaves broadly elliptic-ovate, coriaceous, 17–24 cm long, 8–15 cm wide, apex acuminate, base rounded.[2] Inflorescence a terminal or axillary panicle, 5–10 cm long, flowers with ovate lanceolate petals 0.3-0.4 mm long.[2][3] The fruit is a smooth ovoid-oblong drupe, 5–10 cm long, 4–6 cm wide; it can be yellowish green, orange, dark purple or black when mature.[2][3]

Distribution and habitat

P. sericea is found in the western and central Amazon rainforest in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Brazil.[1][2][3]

Uses

The fruit is edible, but the taste may not be good for people unfamiliar with the fruit.[3]

The wood is of medium or somewhat coarse texture; heavy, compact and durable.[4] It is used for carpentry and fuel.[4]

References
  1. Grandtner, M. M.; Chevrette, Julien (2013). Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press. p. 518. ISBN 9780123969545.
  2. Francis, Macbride, J. (1951). "Flora of Peru". Fieldiana. v.13:pt.3A:no.1: 230.
  3. Food and Fruit-bearing Forest Species: Examples from Latin America. FAO. 1986. p. 221. ISBN 9789251023723.
  4. Williams, L. (1936). "Woods of northeastern Peru,". Field Museum Botanical Series. 15: 291.
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