Pitomba (Talisia esculenta)

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

Pitomba (Talisia esculenta), commonly found in South America particularly in Paraguay, Brazil, and Bolivia, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous tree growing up to 14 m in height and up to 40 cm in bole diameter. It is moderately fast growing. It has a dense and rounded canopy with alternate and pinnately compound leaves. The small, white flowers are produced in panicles.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and sour flavoured edible pulp. — A brown-yellow fruit with 1 or 2 large seeds covered in a thin, translucent, sweet and sour flavoured edible pulp.; The fruit is about 3cm long and 2.5cm in diameter.; The fruit is borne in clusters of 10 - 20 fruits.

Habitat & North American Range

Rainforests, on land that does not become inundated. Dense primary forest as well as secondary formations, always in alluvial lowlands, at the bottom of valleys. (Zone 10)