Caryocar

Description

Caryocar is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryocaraceae, native to tropical regions of South America. It comprises of about 15 species of trees, known for their edible fruits and unique appearance. The trees grow up to 30 meters tall and have a straight trunk with a dense crown of foliage. Caryocar trees are an important source of timber, used for furniture making and construction.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Malpighiales
Family	Caryocaraceae
Genus	Caryocar

Appearance

Caryocar trees have a unique appearance, with a dense crown of foliage and a straight trunk. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong. The flowers are yellow or white and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a large, woody drupe, with a hard shell and a fleshy pulp that surrounds the seed. The fruit is edible, with a sweet and sour taste. Caryocar trees are an important source of timber, used for furniture making and construction.

Care Guide

Caryocar trees thrive in tropical regions with high humidity and rainfall. They require well-draining soil and full sunlight. Watering should be done regularly, especially during the dry season. Fertilization can be done with a balanced fertilizer once a year. Caryocar trees are hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 15°C. They are suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Caryocar trees are prone to a few pests and diseases, including leaf spot, root rot, and scale insects. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and presents as brown spots on the leaves. Root rot is caused by overwatering and can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage. Scale insects are small, sap-sucking insects that can be treated with insecticidal soap.

Habitat

Caryocar trees are native to tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. They grow in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and riverbanks.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the edible part of the Caryocar fruit?

A: The fleshy pulp that surrounds the seed is edible, with a sweet and sour taste.

Q: What are the hardiness zones for growing Caryocar trees?

A: Caryocar trees are suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Caryocar trees?

A: Caryocar trees are prone to leaf spot, root rot, and scale insects.

Q: What is the height of a mature Caryocar tree?

A: Caryocar trees can grow up to 30 meters tall.

Related Plants

• Licania
• Carapa
• Hancornia
• Swietenia
• Cedrela

References

• “Caryocar.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b458.
• “Caryocaraceae.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryocaraceae.
• “Caryocar.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/116557/.