(english text, below)
Este es un éxótico árbol frutal que puede ser cultivado en nuestra región (clima subtropical) sin necesidad de cuidado alguno: sin podas ni pesticidas ni abonos, es decir que puede ser cultivado mediante el llamado métofo Fukuoka de “no-hacer”.
Según un documento PDF que muestra la investigación de un uruguayo preocupado por esta especie, “años atrás se le cultivaba en Montevideo; en viejas quintas, y en restos de algunas de ellas se encuentran aún ejemplares casi centenarios o centenarios”. El mismo autor dice que “existen muy pocos ejemplares en nuestros paseos, donde la mayoría pertenecen a viejos ejemplares de las ex quintas anexadas al Prado” (Lombardo 1979)
Imagínense este hermoso frutal, un ejemplar centenario sería precioso en cualquier plaza pública, campo o jardín. Es de mediano porte, no supera los 10m de altura, de tronco es semiliso, corteza áspera y si se corta emite un aroma muy suave. Sus hojas son alternas, de unos 4-7 cm de largo y con un color verde más fuerte en la parte de fuera que en el revés; sus flores son muy pequeñas, de color blanco, muy abundantes y aromáticas.
Habría que ver si esto es tan así, pero suena tentador. (un estudio en inglés sobre sus propiedades antioxidantes: http://www.actahort.org/books/918/918_57.htm)
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English:
This is an exotic fruit tree that can be grown in our region (subtropical climate) without a care: no pruning or pesticides or fertilizers, meaning it can be cultivated by Fukuoka’s method.
According to a PDF document that shows the investigation of a Uruguayan concerned about this species, “years ago was grown in Montevideo in old country houses, and remains of some of them are still almost century-old or ancient copies.” The same author says that “there are very few examples in our walks, where the majority are from old copies of the former estates annexed to the Prado” (Lombardo 1979)
Imagine this beautiful fruit, a copy would be precious centennial in any public square or garden area. It is of medium size, no more than 10m in height, rough bark and if you cut makes a very mild flavor. Its leaves are alternate, about 4-7 cm long and with a stronger green on the outside than the inside, its flowers are very small, white, very rich and aromatic.
Its fruits (1 to 2 cm in diameter, similar to Arazá) are one of its major uses, small deep purple, pulp sweet and edible. Also used the leaves to get rid of flies, as if they fall to the ground and are crushed emit a resin that is not liked by these insects, are also used to hold tea as diuretic, digestive and anti-diarrheal.
It is famous as an ornamental in parks and gardens.
As they say “The decoction of the bark as a gargle is used because it has healing properties for conditions like sore throats or throat infections.”
There is an interesting article on a website of Colonia, Uruguay, which is reported to have large amounts of anthocyanin, a substance with high antioxidant properties that prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. (Much more than that of blueberries imported from USA).
We should see if this is so so, but it sounds tempting.
It spreads by seeds . As with many fruits of the Myrtaceae whose use was restricted to people living in their limited geographic areas, are gaining popularity around the world not only for its exotic flavors but also for its high concentration of vitamins, the possibility of adding to a wide variety of foods and the presence of phenolic compounds and essential oils that provide beneficial effects to health.