Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense)

Family: Caryocaraceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Pequi or 'souari nut' (Caryocar brasiliense) is a popular fruit tree in Brazil. It is relatively slow-growing and drought tolerant when fully established. It grows up to 10 m tall with a crooked bole, deep taproot, and rounded, spreading crown. The palmate leaves are large, tough, and hairy. The flowers are hermaphrodite and yellowish-white in colour. The fruit is dark purple but turns to green as it ripens.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour, but is an acquired taste and is mainly used as a flavouring or as a famine food. — Edible portion: Fruit, Nut.; The oily, mucilaginous fruit is nutritious.; A strongly scented, fleshy pulp.; It has a sweet flavour, but is an acquired taste and is mainly used as a flavouring or as a famine food.

Habitat & North American Range

Forms pure groves in the plateaux and valleys of the savannah, elsewhere it is usually found as scattered individuals. Found in both primary and secondary formations. (Zone 10)