Piquia (Caryocar villosum)

Family: Caryocaraceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Caryocar villosum is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 35 m (114ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious, rich, almond-like flavour. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Eaten as a dessert.; The large, soft, white kernels have a delicious, rich, almond-like flavour.; An edible oil is obtained from the tissue surrounding the seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in both primary and secondary rainforests on land that is not subject to periodic inundation. (Zone 10)