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Description
Couepia Guianensis, commonly known as Abiu, is a tropical fruit tree native to South America. The tree belongs to the family Chrysobalanaceae, which includes over 500 species of trees and shrubs. The tree can grow up to 25 meters in height and produces yellow, round fruit with a smooth, shiny skin that can reach up to 10 centimeters in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Chrysobalanaceae |
| Genus | Couepia |
Appearance
The Couepia Guianensis tree has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong, growing up to 25 centimeters in length. The tree produces yellow, round fruit with a smooth, shiny skin that can reach up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fruit has white, sweet, and juicy flesh with a flavor similar to caramel or sweetened condensed milk. The fruit also contains several large, brown seeds.
Care Guide
The Couepia Guianensis tree prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every three months. The tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C but is best suited for tropical and subtropical climates. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Couepia Guianensis tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including fruit flies, mealybugs, scale insects, and anthracnose fungus. Proper care and maintenance, including regular pruning and removal of infected plant material, can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Couepia Guianensis is native to South America and can be found in the Amazon Basin, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil. It grows in tropical rainforests, flooded forests, and savannas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Couepia Guianensis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Couepia Guianensis can be grown in containers, but it will require regular pruning to keep it from outgrowing its pot.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Couepia Guianensis tree?
A: Couepia Guianensis should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every three months.
Q: What is the best time of year to harvest Couepia Guianensis fruit?
A: Couepia Guianensis fruit is typically harvested from December to March.
Q: Is Couepia Guianensis tolerant of salt spray?
A: Couepia Guianensis is not tolerant of salt spray and should be protected from exposure to saltwater.
Related Plants
- Couepia longipendula
- Couepia polyandra
- Couepia paraensis
- Couepia uiti
References
- “Couepia Guianensis.” Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Accessed July 28, 2021. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=12645
- “Couepia Guianensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286310&isprofile=0&basic=couepia%20guianensis
- “Couepia Guianensis.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/abiu.html
